I Heart Target’s GO International Collection: Gorgeous New Dress!
July 2, 2009
Target continues to give me more reasons to keep visiting, and the fact that my style can grow without spending a fortune is a lovely treat. Many of their new styles look so rich and elegant you would never imagine the tag attached to them, and it doesn’t matter. As long as you look and feel pretty and fabulous then that is all that matters.
I discovered this dress the other day and wow, what a find. I’ll be posting some pictures up here too so you can see the detail-(my camera died on me! Must wait for it to charge) but in the meantime I was able to put up a video so you can get a feel of this glamorous dress!
The material feels like heaven, so light and silky, and moves beautifully with every step. This is something I look for in my clothes. Design plays a lot into how a dress will fit, look, move, and feel. And this one performs beautifully.
Enjoy the video for now, I’ll see if I can update with photos later 
Loving The Cocktails, Mmm…
June 17, 2009
The following post has been presented for your viewing pleasure! Some cocktails just make your mouth water staring into them, these are definitly strong candidates, talk about yummy.
I could take a bath in this first one, it is so lovely. And it is a nice balance- you cannot identify any of the ingredients since nothing overpowers another, they just blend perfectly for a unique, clean, crisp and delightful taste. I don’t know all the ingredients in this one, but I do know that gin, pineapple, and a sage leaf are involved. This drink, called the “first growth” is perfect for any occasion or mood.
Next, how about a glass of “paradise”? Also a very refreshing number, the citrus is beautiful in this aperitif. With freshly squeezed orange juice, apricot brandy, and gin- this classic cocktail is easly found to be a paradise indeed.
Next up we have a mystery cocktail- and by that I mean something the bartenders came up with after having some fun in the bar. We were fortunate enough to be included in these games with a glass of our very own to enjoy. And it was a welcoming treat. I love the look of perfect ice cubes- such attention to detail. Being this was a surprise, I couldn’t tell you the ingredients so you’ll just have to enjoy with your eyes on this one.
And I’ll finish off with a dessert cocktail, which clearly this one is and a very yummy one at that. The classic “Brandy Alexander” for your sweetest dreams. With brandy, creme de cacao, half-and-half/heavy cream, and nutmeg this is a luxurious way to finish an evening. So rich and smooth!
All of these cocktails were enjoyed at Anvil and prepared by our favorite bartender, Sebastian- he always selects and creates the best cocktails for me. Gotta love that!
A Decadent Port To Love, The Grandfather Tawny
June 5, 2009
Mmmm, I love a port and this one is exceptional. Definitely a special treat I always look forward to indulging in. I’m delighted any time I find it on a menu, this is a true luxury to me.
The Penfolds Grandfather Tawny Port is something that has to be experienced, it is so rich and smooth with a perfect balance and texture that blends beautifully on the tongue. It is almost like honey and has tastes of raisins, nuts and toffee, with a hint of vanilla near the finish. And it is a beautiful, long finish. It is like candy, but don’t think that it is overly sweet or thick- that isn’t the case at all. It truly is a beautiful balance that must be tasted to be appreciated.
The aroma is heavenly, it makes me smile just to smell it. It is so lovely.
It is called “the Grandfather” to honor the tradition in 1915 when an oak cask that contained a blend of the finest tawnies they had in their possession was set aside and reserved for the Penfold family only. The “Grandfather” refers to the age of the oldest tawnies in the blend and the style you see now is of this same tradition, produceing a decadent and harmonious balance.
This is one that is worth the price when and if you come across it- I highly recommend giving this beautiful tawny a taste. What a beautiful way to enjoy and remember an evening. Cheers.
A Love Of Cocktails And Another Night At Anvil
May 31, 2009
Mmmm, I do love my cocktails- and the other night we had a real treat with some classic and beautiful cocktails at Anvil. These are beauties I look forward to having again soon.
With a place like this, I like to let the bartender select my drinks for me. This is their skill and I want them to have fun with it- I am the same way with my chef’s and their food. I am here to enjoy their talent with good tastes. Sebastian, our bartender we seek out by request, made some fantastic selections for me!
For instance, the Jack Rose- a classic cocktail of the 1920′s and 1930′s. What a lovely cocktail! Made with Applejack, Grenadine and Lemon juice, this may be a favorite of mine. It is so lovely with the right balance of flavor and texture. Enjoying it out of a vintage glass only adds more of the charm.
Another lovely drink from that same era would be The Last Word- love the name and the cocktail (pictured below). What a delicious beverage with a nice little hint of spice in the finish. I love the tartness of citrus, especially when it has the right balance, and a little spice can blend beautifully.
The Last Word consists of Gin, Lime Juice, Green Chartreuse, and Maraschino Liqueur- nom! Very refreshing, crisp, and delicious. A lovely way to begin an evening- the flavors just blend and melt so beautifully in your mouth.
This is one I could see myself having quite reguarly, it is perfect for any mood or event. I keep thinking about it, delicious!
Here we have the Smitten cocktail, which I had mentioned previously but had forgotten to take a photo of. I was prepared this time and captured this refreshing drink. I think this one would be so perfect by the pool on a warm day- the mint in this cocktail is delightful without being overpowering at all.
This cocktail consists of Gin, Campari, Lemon, and Mint. And it tastes as pretty as it looks.
And the final act was a beautiful one that tastes just as heavenly and dreamy as it looks- The Vanishing Act! Wow, this one is so lovely and rich in texture- yet light and welcoming, what a fantastic way to finish the evening.
Now, unfortunately with this one- I was not by it when it was made and don’t know of what it all consists of. The egg whites and bitters is all I can tell you- but I do plan on having this gem again next time I visit and returning home with the ingredients. So lovely!
All this writing has me ready for a cocktail, nom- speak with you soon, loves!
A Love Of Cigars: Sneak Peak
May 30, 2009
I do love a nice cigar- so full of flavor and so wonderful to indulge in for those special occasions. As you know, I greatly believe in making my own occasions and so I do love to have my cigars fairly often. I make my own moments, with fashion as much as with food, and cigars and spirits very much among them.
Last night was one of those nights in which we felt like celebrating! I have some new gems I picked up to keep the luxury coming-I’ll let you in on a sneak peak for now and keep you informed more on them later. But last night was a special treat, and so I had a very lovely cigar in hand: The Oliva Serie V Double Robosto.
What a beautiful cigar, so wonderful I had to pick up another one this afternoon to have again soon. Everything about it is just right and what I love in a cigar, the flavors are magnificent. So smooth and rich with those dark tones- my dark chocolate lovers will appreciate this one, I know it.
I found these fine cigars at the Richmond Avenue Cigar shop for those of you who travel through Houston, a very fine shop with the people, humidor, selection and care you want. I love a place that looks over the details, and this is definitely the place.
I’ll be having more lovelies for you soon. I have some special plans for my Cabaiguan Cigar pictured at the end- ah the familiar tastes of my Miami. I have a great pairing in mind for that little gem, ooh yes!
Alright, loves- some fashionable and classic cocktails coming to you tomorrow, including a decadent delight of the 1920′s! Cocktail lovers, stay tuned.
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.
Duchesse De Bourgogne, A Lovely Taste
May 10, 2009
Each and every time I stroll through the many isles of Total Wine & Spirits, I cannot help but taste a new Belgium beer. There are so many unique single bottle options available, though I love my classics I always love to indulge in new tastes.
During my last visit, a new bottle caught my eye called “Duchesse De Bourgogne” which is also known as “The Burgundies of Belgium”. It fed into my curiosity and so a taste was needed.
Immediately upon opening and pouring, the first smell is strong of dark molasses. It reminded me of childhood when I would wander into the kitchen and smell the delicious spices of freshly baked dark gingerbread. Rarely do I get to indulge in such a wonderful smell, and with this beer the tone was perfect. So beautiful and reminiscent, I longed for my first taste.
Duchesse de Bourgogne is a reddish-brown ale from the West Flanders region of Belgium, top fermented, and carefully matured in oak casts.
It is purely natural and unpasteurized, leaving a full clean and beautiful taste. The aroma and tastes returned me to my loves of childhood, but in a grown up and matured fashion. It is so lovely and pure, and elegantly presented. The texture is light to medium and balances well against the fragrance of the nose.
I purchased a small bottle here for a first taste, but am anxious to try it again in it’s full bottle- cork included, naturally. I love the stylings of a Belgium beer, and this one is a lovely discovery.
If you have a love for dark and rich freshly baked gingerbread- this beer will take you back and reward your taste buds lovingly. I definitely recommend it and look forward to another taste!
Glamor With Vintage Golden Leaves
April 29, 2009
Don’t you just love vintage accessories? This one inspires glamor into any outfit, however casual or elegant it may be. The design is simple, yet delicate and sophisticated with a very rich finishing look.
When I first spotted this bracelet, I thought it was gorgeous but had concern- those edges look like the snagging kind, and can quickly ruin an outfit. However once I put it on and gave it a quick little test, I was surprised- nothing happened. In fact, I couldn’t even get it to snag however hard I tried- brilliant. The way the leaves clasp together leave a smooth edge that keeps in and doesn’t attach itself onto clothing.
So this is my new glamor toy and statement piece- it is gold, elegant, and perfect!
Just the piece of vintage I was looking for to give my modern wardrobe the new twist and added glamor I’ve been wanting.
Some accessories are timeless; constantly allowing themselves to be reinvented over and over again. Perhaps that is why I love vintage so much- there is always a story and a history beyond the look and feel.
