A Time for Tasty Little Indulgences
January 28, 2009
Don’t you just love the special little treats that make a meal or an evening oh so special? Sometimes it means spending that extra on a fine wine or on an extraordinary appetizer. And other times it means being included in having a special home made and off the menu limoncello while dining at a restaurant with friends. This weekend I had the pleasure of indulging in both!
After experiencing another incredible Master Mind in Tampa, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. A favorite appetizer of ours is their seafood medley pictured above- talk about delicious. This was a much awaited treat and we were not disappointed. Lobster, crab, shrimp, and more all pleasantly ready to be devoured- yum.
There is never a bite missed- and it makes for the perfect indulgence before our steaks. The best of both worlds, definitely a grand occasional treat. Makes it all the more special that we only have it with our friends.
Next, on the following evening Timothy and I were treated to a delightful dinner with his father and step mom at this hidden gem of a restaurant near their home. A wonderful Italian restaurant whose owner is from Italy- the food is always wonderful and better each time we go- quite difficult to do. The best part to me is the dessert, where the owner is kind enough to offer us some of his homemade limoncello- DELICIOUS! I love limoncello, and when properly done it is especially divine.
Yes, sometimes some special and oh so tasty indulgences are called for, and especially when loved ones can be involved. What are your special treats?
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.
Caipirinha: Cocktail Luxury Of Brazil
January 22, 2009
caipirinha's as seen from story from LAtimes.com
I remember my first taste of a traditional caipirinha. Living in Miami, many of my friends were from Brazil and knew the drink well. I would see them drink it and it was only a matter of time before I began to indulge myself.
So what is a Caipirinha, anyway- besides a confusing to pronounce alcoholic beverage? A traditional one is quite simply:
muddled limes and sugar &..
2 oz cachaça
Cachaça is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane and is most known for its relation to Brazil. It is very much the alcohol of Brazil.
A restaurant by the name of Table8 in Miami (though originally from LA as seen from the photo above) offered a black cherry caipirinha- talk about deadly and delicious! Their twist of the drink involved muddled black cherries with cachaça. It definitely was a moment of: oh, how delicious, let me devour a couple and then discover upon my first attempt to move that the world will move around for me first. It is quite potent! so beware and take caution.
Gourmet offers a recipe for a passion fruit caipirinha, which calls for the traditional recipe with the addition of pure passion fruit juice. The drink is quite simple to start which allows itself very open to fruit inspired variations.
All are grand really, it is difficult to mess up. Oh how I do love my cocktails, and I must say I have been quite happy to see this beverage show up in more and more bars across the states. This is one to keep your eyes peeled for. Try it (in small doses to start perhaps, or at a slower pace if anything else) and enjoy its luxurious flavor.
Don’t feel as though you have to wait for your bartenders to discover this for you first- they are simple to make at home provided you find the cachaça.
Make a traditional one and then make your own lavish concoction. Its really quite fun, invite some friends and make it an occasion to remember.
Lavender Beauty with a Radiant Glow
January 14, 2009
When was the last time you were given a bracelet that you instantly loved and felt connected with? It glows when you wear it and somehow you just feel pretty and fabulous, and even invincible, to the world. It is rare to find such a charm, but you know it when it happens.
For me, it is my lavender beauty:
And what beautiful timing for such a treat! My fiance has done very well with this one 
I’m quite the lucky little lady, as he always surprises me with the most wonderful things.
I love everything about this bracelet- especially the way it feels when I put it on. It is so light and delicate yet you can really sense a strong and powerful energy radiate from it. It is gorgeous!
And for me, it matches my personality and love of fashion and femininity.
I love it when jewelry has a soft and unique sound to it, and when I move these glass lavender beads make such a beautiful and soft little song. I love how they dangle from a single thin and solid band- and just look at the beads themselves, the color is so rich and gorgeous, quite even more so in person. A heart with a delicate little design- love it. I will admit I do love hearts, maybe it is the girlie child love in me but I so do still adore them.
I can wear this and not feel like it was intended for a child as a toy, though- which I like. It isn’t always easy to pull a heart off in jewelry without looking forced or foolish. And I think once again LOVEMADDS accomplished it flawlessly here.
It isn’t often a luxury like this one comes along- and you can be sure I will not be letting this discovery go, either. I am constantly excited to see what she is creating next; Madeline Rhodes is a designer with an energy of her own you can genuinely see and feel in each one of her designs. Am looking forward to seeing even more from her.
As well as indulging and treating myself The beauty of each piece having a unique personality and charm, too is that it makes for the perfect present. I have some very fashionable friends who can be difficult to shop for at times- the will they love it or hate it factor can be troublesome in department stores. But with her collection and its uniqueness I don’t have to worry and know my friends will love it! Who doesn’t love a one-of-a-kind hand crafted gem designed just for them? So fabulous!
Am looking forward to a pretty and fabulous birthday this weekend- it arrived just in time!
Fabulous Framboise Lambic Belgium Beer
January 3, 2009
MMmmm, simply marvelous! From its rich velvety texture to its luscious fruit flavors, sometimes I just have to indulge into my Lambic cravings.
Now, I’ll admit I am a bit bias in my admiration for Belgium Beers, it is in my family name after all. But this one is a love even for the non beer drinker.
I was craving dessert this evening, something in a beverage but not quite a martini- when suddenly I ran into it and remembered the lambics. Seen here in raspberry, this malty beverage comes in many fruit filled flavors (Lindemans carries cassis/black currant, pomme/apple, kriek/cherry, peche/peach, you name it and they are all quite wonderful).
It is a good balance that comes together beautifully.
I don’t know what it is with me and beers with corks, but somehow it seems to be a recurring theme! This one in particular actually has a cap on top of the cork which is quite rare. It is all covered with a richly colored foil that best matches its fruit flavor.
It is made from local barley, unmalted wheat, and wild yeast. Raspberries are added after spontaneous fermentation creating a secondary fermentation which yields exceptional flavor and complexity in this beer.
It is a must try for anyone!
Golden Treats of Christmas Beauty
December 29, 2008
With Christmas comes loving time with family and friends, moments reflecting on all we are grateful for, and the luxuries of Christmas presents. It has been a beautiful year and I am now reminded of it as well as the love of my family with these golden beauties I was given this year.
First on the list is this glamorous, decadent yet simple bracelet from Coach. Isn’t it fabulous? I had no idea they had such a collection of jewelry available. It is an elegant design and full of wealth, beauty and glamor- the things I love. And as a bonus, it even matches the straps of my patent leather pumps with the gold buckle- how adorable is that?
Also on the gold theme of things, is something my Grandmother gave to me for Christmas. I love cats, especially the wild ones- combine that with gold and diamond and I am all over it. It may only be rhinestones or something of the like- but that certainly doesn’t take away the glamor of this sophisticated pin.
Pins are something I adore to collect and wear on top of scarfs, wraps, and even on top of other jewelry (strands of pearls held together by a gorgeous broach- a fabulous favorite of mine to indulge in!).
This present from my Grandmother is a new favorite of mine, and with it still being cool outside I have plenty of chances to wear it! The look and feel of it alone is rich in beauty, but knowing it was from my Grandmother adds a unique and special factor I cannot even describe. Needless to say, it is important to me and something I am very much appreciative of.
Hope your treats were just as golden, whether they were items or memories, or even just a golden note of gratitude. Christmas is such a lovely time of year. Now it is time to be ready for a new year.
For The Love Of Chocolate & Beauty
December 27, 2008
Oh but I do love chocolate. One of my favorite to indulge in on a regular basis is the Ritter Sport chocolates. Yummy and so many flavors I cannot seem to find them all quickly enough.
I think they are fun, too- with so many styles and all packaged in a convenient size. You know the square wherever you go, it stands out. Dark is generally my preference when it comes to chocolate (like truffles and especially when powder and/or bits of cocoa nibs are involved). And second to that is anything involving hazelnut or hazelnut cream/liquor. Love it.
So for me my favorites to have on hand from them are the Praline and Dark Chocolate With Hazelnuts. So yum.
I must say their Alpine Milk Chocolate is quite wonderful too- so milky and creamy. Just the right decedent consistency that melts in our mouth.
A surprise for me was the cornflakes chocolate bar- it was like nothing I imagined at all and quite lovely! It really works. I was expecting it to be ‘eh’ or ‘just okay’ but was quite happily surprised. My fiance thinks so, too (as I have noticed that one tends to disappear rather quickly without any supervision). The marzipan seems to vanish rather quickly as well, but that one is rather classic and true to form. Also delicious.
Look at them, aren’t they pretty? I am out to go enjoy some now, maybe cuddle up in bed to a movie or cartoon.
Next time you come across one I would certainly recommend picking up a bite for yourself as a lovely treat.
A Seasonal Pretty Delight For A Happy Repeal Day
December 5, 2008
First off- I like my beers one of two ways, either like my coffee- black, or simply Belgium. Though you probably know this from me by now, haha.
I was only recently introduced to this one, and it is unique in every way- in fact, it isn’t even available for most of the year. This is Delirium’s seasonal Noel Belgium beer, and it is just as lovely as Christmas!
The pink elephant on ski’s (and even pulling Santa’s sleigh) is perfect- so charming and matches the slight pink shade of the beer itself. Do not be alarmed, it is extremely lovely. It has a nice crisp spiciness to it that you want in a winter beverage, but still the solid quality you want in a beer.
And how cute is that bottle- looks even lovelier in the glass! It was too dark to get the color anywhere near noticeable in the photos, so you will have to see this one for yourself.
What a joy and special holiday treat to indulge in! And today being repeal day makes it all the more wonderful and appreciated taste.
Happy Repeal Day, everyone! What are you doing to celebrate?
Pretty Peachy & A Beautiful Shoe
October 24, 2008
It has been rainy these past few days, but something different has come about it this time- a crisp coolness is now officially in the air. It feels slightly like winter- enough to be pleasant and comfortable.
This means I can bring out the wraps, furs, tights, and other fashionable items which have been patiently waiting in my closet.
I collect random cute accessories as I find them, and when it comes to winter accessories I tend to put them away until the season arrives- not thinking too much into my wardrobe just yet.
So now that it is cool and I am able to brings such items out, I was anxious to finally wear this cashmere and wool wrap with the little bunny fur balls. Cashmere, wool, a delicate pink peach color I love, and fur- the perfect combination for me of what I love in fashion! So when I took this out I remembered I had a skirt of the same color that would go perfectly with it- add lace and a bow in the same shade- fashion perfection.
.
.
I don’t think I could have planned such a perfect match- I am quite pleased with the results.
I love how things work out that way! The look comes together as completely girly, classy, sophisticated, feminine and absolutely glamorous.
Now… about those shoes..
I do love a haute shoe, and I think these are gorgeous. Black and shiny with all the right curves- these are a classic fun shoe by Marciano from Guess. I couldn’t resist but indulge in these.
They have the cute allure of a Mary Jane but all the glamor of a high heel. The little curve from beneath the toes which are rounded and gold buckle of the strap separate it from other black pumps, keeping it unique and interesting.
These shoes stand out from a distance and can really vamp an otherwise ordinary outfit. I am having lots of fun with them and am looking forward to incorporating them more into my wardrobe.
