Dreaming Of Silver Links
January 31, 2010
There is something dreamy about a bunch of silver strands and links elegantly combined, especially when it comes to necklaces. My normal accomplishment of such a look is by cleverly combining necklaces of various lentgths together, making sure the end result is elegant and bold but never a mess. Every now and then you find a piece that on it’s own accomplishes the look beautifully. This piece from Truffles Co. is just on case!
The combination of links and strands with a decorated piece bringing the links together, gently hanging down at an angle depending on how it is worn, works beautifully.
The miss match of link sizes with collected strands and a decorative piece with beads makes for a unique and fashionable look. Worn alone is fantastic, but it also gives you the opportunity to mix another piece into this already elaborate setup. The entire piece is designed quite long, in fact it is long enough to be worn as a belt (it is not unusual for me to find link styled belts and wear them as a necklace, lol).
The way I like to wear this style is by having half of the necklace show in the front, and have the other half decorate the back. This works great with dresses or tops that scoop in the front and the back. It can really dress up the look.
I like to wear it where half of each design is showing for a different kind of look. You could certainly wear it where each uniformed style shows from one view- one in the front and one in the back, keeping the decoration resting on the shoulder. But I like the dynamic of the mix.
Another possibility I am playing with is mixing it up as a choker or or very elaborate bracelet. With the length and change of styles there are many opportunities to explore.
I love playing around with shapes and textures, especially when they are in the same color scheme. Elaborate earrings are another fun area you see the trend in, most commonly with chandelier type earrings. I like earrings that are unique and miss matched; having the same theme so you can tell they belong together. When earrings resemble each other but have different lengths, I think that, too, is a fun style with a lot of opportunities. Take for instance this set that also plays into the links feel. This find is another item from Truffles Co. available on yesstyle.com.
Anyone can miss match a pair of earrings, but getting them to feel like a part of the same set is where it gets interesting. They either have to have been designed that way or play as a part of a theme. They have to look like they belong.
This piece from yesstyle.com does that well. You have all the same elements presented only slightly different, giving it a very unique and bold look. I love it. And it has the links and strands that I have been craving in my fashion.
What fashion cravings have you been having?
IZZE, A Nom Treat!
July 11, 2009
Izze is one of my favorite refreshing treats, and yet the first time I noticed the name and brightly colored box I had always avoided it thinking it to be one of the many energy drinks. After all, the can size matches them and even with its bright colors it blends in with the others.
But then one day the word “clementine” caught my eye and I decided to explore it further. Looking at the ingredients, I was pleasantly surprised and had to give it a try- I love it! It is so refreshing and absolutely delicious.
Simply fruit juices and sparkling water, no preservatives or other nonsense. Not to mention it is the perfect size- not too much, just a great taste. It is great for those cravings, too- I like the bubbles of a soda but not so much the syrup taste or texture, it bothers me after a while. But with this- no worries, it is just a crisp clean flavor. nom!
I’ve tried as many as I can get my hands on- when I find something I love I want to try them all. So far the clementine and grapefruit ones are my favorite, though the lime izze in the glass bottle is also very heavenly. I love that natural tartness.
I’m starting to see IZZE show up in more places now which is great, I’ve been having to hunt for them on my own for a while now. I am always determined to have some in the house.
On another note- I bet it would taste GREAT mixed for a cocktail, especially the sparkling grapefruit. Will be trying that sometime soon, too! This could definitely lead to some refreshing cocktails. Yummy.
Mmmmm… Strawberries!
April 10, 2009
Yesterday we went to the grocery to pick up a few items, and these straweberries were looking irresistable to me. I haven’t had any in the house for a while, and thought they would make the perfect snack.
I also had my usual delicious breads and goat cheese on hand, so once I got home I thought I’d make a quick yummy bite.
I originally purchased the strawberries for having them in salads or on their own, but then I wanted something different! So I toasted up a few pieces of bread (tearing them to make them bite size friendly), and added some goat cheese.
Sure, it looks kind of messy at first but that’s the beauty of it- it doesn’t have to be perfect. I used some wheat dinner rolls for this one- I like how the edges crisp up but the middle stays very fluffy and warm. It is a lovely combination with the goat cheese. Cream cheese or other styles would also taste delicious for this quick and pretty snack.
Next, I sliced some strawberries and placed two slices on each piece. The look comes together very nicely (and you can see how the previous mess doesnt’ matter). They are rich small bites and perfect for those little cravings between meals. I was enjoying a glass of my Grand Cru Cuvee Rene and thought strawberries and cheese would be a perfect mix. And it absolutely was!
Who ever said a pretty and fabulous gourmet snack had to be a complicated one? This one is quick, easy, and delicious! Make it even more delicious with a light vanilla sause or even a red wine vinager drizzled on top- savory and sweet and very rich!
Seriously Delicious Sashimi Nomness
March 23, 2009
The other evening, my hunny and I had a sudden craving for sushi and decided to indulge- why not? I never turn down the chance, I adore sashimi and the place we love to go to also makes marvelous lychee martinis.
And whenever I go out to a restuarant, my favorite thing on the menu is what the chef selects for me. After all, the chef knows best. I love to let them have fun with a meal and create something they are especially proud of, and the experience is all the more wonderful because of it.
We like to sit at the bar instead of a table at this restaurant, that way we can interact with the chefs and watch the preparation (truly an art and delight to be a part of). I’ll usually ask what is fresh and recommended, and then let them chose and go all out with it. I am rewarded beyond my expectations each and every time- wow. (the last time I was there for a quick bite, I had the flounder sashimi which was presented in a gorgeous manner and pictured above)
I don’t even know what I am ordering half the time- since I let them decide. But I make sure to know afterwards so that I can order it again, as was with this case the other evening. The Aji sashimi (above) was presented so beautifully before us- and each bite was soooo heavenly- perfect! Subtle but lovely flavors with a great and tender texture. But it didn’t end there with the aji- the sashimi was just the beginning.
When we were done with the sashimi portion of the plate- the chef had the remaining fish head and bones fried and returned to us to eat.
I *love* the collar and cheeks of a fish, so this was a very welcoming surprise!
Needless to say, between the two of us nothing remained of this dish in the end, and it is one we are more than anxious to order again-very the “nom”.
As amazing as this was- it was not the best of the evening. The best would have to be reserved for the Live Scallop Sashimi we had immediately afterward. What a treat- I had to fight for the last bite on this one!
Sashimi (raw) on one shell, and then cooked and prepared on the other shell. The raw was definitely my favorite, as was the favorite for my hunny and the couple we became friends with next to us at the bar (they even ordered one, too!). This was incredible. I don’t think words would do it justice, but know that it was by far the favorite of the evening all around. And after having some incredible tastes beforehand, that is saying a lot.
And for dessert? A bite of uni- beautiful way to end a luxurious meal ;D
Pour La Victoire, Seriously Haute Shoes In Noir
March 17, 2009
Alright, I have shoes on my mind and I want something with a strong bold statement. Pour La Victoire is setting just the perfect mood for me- very high heels in a clasic black color, but incredibly rich with attitude.
Brazilian made and French inspired, Pour La Victoire’s shoes are indeed very fabulous.
Above is the Paige Sandal and Tia Platform Slide, both with a gorgeous heel and filled with straps. I think I prefer the Paige for every day wear since it can be worn with most anything, but there is something so dangerous and sultry about the Tia Platform that I cannot resist. Both are killer heels to take notice of. I am adding them to my list.
Classic black heels are fabulous, but sometimes you want a little more attitude or play in structure to reinvent the timeless look- perhaps why we can never have enough black shoes… though the same applies to shoes in any color, truly!
You can find them online from endless, zappos, or your preferable place to shop for shoes- I am loving these styles very much, definitely meeting my cravings.
In fact, the Sabrina Platform below has also caught my eye- has that rock and roll glamor look and feel to it. Quite fun!
Foamy & Creamy Tastes of Belgium
March 11, 2009
Although my favorite beers are dark beers (especially the black ones like Kostritzer), occasionally I will want something on the lighter side that is only slightly crisp, but still rich with texture and flavor. When I first tasted the St. Sebastiaan Dark I was in love- the bottle is so charming and the taste did not disappoint. It was rich and reminded me of gingerbread (which I love) and is one I will definitely be having again.
I noticed St. Sebastiaan also offered a Grand Cru in a similar ceramic bottle; naturally I chose to indulge. I was very curious to see what else they could provide as the dark bottle was so wonderful.
Wow, what a creamy and foamy head on a slightly pale pour. I could bathe in those bubbles, I love how rich they look. And it is indeed very creamy in texture - not like anything I’ve really had before, and as unexpected as it was it made for a lovely drink. Perfect for that in-between mood when dark and heavy isn’t what you are craving but light is just too light. And the bottle it comes in is an absolute delight.
I’d recommend both for a lovely tasting, beginning with the grand cru and following with the dark for the full experience to see what you like best, if not both. I like to keep different tastes, styles, and textures in mind for the different moods of an evening or occasion, and both of these make for a yummy treat.
A Little Miso For The Heart
February 18, 2009
Nom. One of the things I have enjoyed while being ill this past week involves the simple pleasures of life. While being cuddled up and cozy in bed, my hunny who was taking care of me brought me one of these simple little treats that just made my day. Some miso soup.
I love miso soup, and for some odd reason never really thought of having it while I was ill. Usually it is something I have before a meal of sashimi and sushi. But my hunny, knowing what I love and being the wonderful man that he is, prepared some for me to cheer me up and make me feel better.
It was perfect, meeting all my cravings in one cute little bowl. When sick, for me- sometimes I want everything and nothing all at the same time. The texture keeps beautifully (very important since taste generally doesn’t hold up when we are not feeling well) and the subtly of the taste was enough for me to notice and enjoy.
Whether you are feeling ill or better than ever, a bowl of miso soup is always a pleasure.
Kobe Burger, Fois Gras, & Trufles I Love You
January 23, 2009
Mmmmm.. so heavenly! One of my favorite things to indulge upon is a kobe burger topped off with fois gras and truffles!
Be still my heart- the look of it alone is beautiful. The photo above is from the Wall Street Burger Shoppe in New York, and it looks divine.
In Miami, I would always go to Prime 112 to satisfy my cravings (oh, also the fries are made in truffle oil). They also made my beloved Lychee Martinis there, what else would I need.
Actually, at Prime 112 they also have a Kobe hot dog, its a big one, too. Kinda awkward for some, haha. Its fun to watch the reaction when someone sees it for the first time. Definitely something to behold. If you go and want to simply enjoy a meal, I would recommend lunch time. Its much more pleasant if you aren’t trying to do the whole “just to be seen” sort of thing. Gets overrated and crowded wherever you are under those circumstances. But I have always found lunch to be perfect there. (That or an extremely late dinner is nice too).
Nom Nom- Yum. Anyway, wherever you are I would recommend hunting one down, it is well worth it. If you travel make sure to indulge in one along the way.
