Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Closet Meet New Stuff, New Stuff Say Hello to Closet




1. Jason Wu striped dress, $35 2. Forever 21 elastic waist skirt $20 3. Jason Wu pleated blouse, $50  4. ShoeDazzle Collections | Style. Personalized. $39.95 5. Shoes, $100 6. Double breasted coat, $107 7.  Forever 21 beaded jewelry, $3.80 8. Eye Pencil - Bourbon Eye Pencil - UrbanDecay.com, $17
9. Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Powder, $33

Bodiography Night Out

Back in the day when I was still in high school we had an amazing Phys Ed class with the one and only Maria Caruso. I just remember I never enjoyed having my ass kicked so much! She put us to work and got us in shape and we were all the better off for it. I learned that Maria ran a dance studio called Bodiography Contemerary Ballet that celebrated women with curves and I admired her all the more for it.

I got in my own way from taking classes at the studio but once I graduated I started attending the shows Bodiography put on for the public. They partnered with the much beloved Cello Fury and I've attended three of her showings to date and look forward to the next one.

Last Saturday night Bodiography put on a showcase at the Byham Theatre celebrating its tenth anniversary. I was like Go Maria! The place was packed and Rochel and I loved the show!

Maria in action



Looking eleganTAY
Rochel: I'm gonna take a wild guess and say the dress is Adrianna Papell, Jessica Simpson Shoes
Myself: Shirt: Jason Wu for Target, Skirt: F21, Shoes: Aldo,
Earrings: Boutique la Passeral, Ring: Trifted


The cast of dancers. The long haired dudes played the cello. 

Smiling pretty for the camera at the after party in the Renaissance Hotel


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Fancy EASY Mac & Cheese Muffins

Me and half of the rest of the world LOOOOOOOOOOVES pasta. Who cares what shape it's in?! But it's fun to try something different with an old love. I copied this recipe from my favorite recipe website www.allrecipes.com (besides for the holy grail of Martha Stewart) and tried it out.

For those of you who are like me and lazy I copied the recipe out here:


  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil - We splurged and use truffle oil and it made SUCH a difference
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt


  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, olive oil and salt; set aside. 

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for about 8 minutes, it should still be a little bit firm. Remove from the heat, drain and return to the pan; stir in the butter and egg until pasta is evenly coated. Reserve 1/2 cup of sharp Cheddar cheese and stir the remaining Cheddar cheese, milk and mozzarella cheese into the pasta. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and the bread crumb mixture over the tops. 

  • Sprinkle basil and sea/kosher salt for an extra flavor boost

  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the topping is nicely browned. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. This will allow the cheese to set and they will hold their muffin shape. 
  •  
  • We waited for about ten minutes to let it cool so it was really set in its shape and just  reheated it in the microwave for a couple seconds














Monday, February 27, 2012

Inspiring Arms and Valentine's Day

Quick fashion moment before I get all gushy and romantic about my Vday plans from this year.

Please put your hands together for one the most beautiful women in the world Freida Pinto. Some people have thinspirations (or is that just something from Sh*t Fashion Girls Say?!) but I have power in shape-spirations. I believe in healthy beautiful. While Freida borders on very slim her arms are all power. I want!

Here is to healthy in shape arms! Cross your fingers for me that I keep up my gym/yoga routine to accomplish these arms!






Valentine's Day:

      I never really cared about Valentine's Day until I had my own Valentine. It just seemed like an extraneous holiday that has no purpose. Vday took on a whole new meaning when I met my lover. It became a day for us to recognize the wonderfulness of each other. 

 This year although we didn't have a do anything too formal cause Gary had a huge presentation the next day for work but we still took the time to have a romantic dinner :-) and he gave me a BEAUTIFUL present (besides for his love).
   


Pretty present from my lover
David Yurman from Orr's Jewelers 

The stereotype about doctors and chick scratch . . . . . .  so true

Heaven Lover's Caramel Chocolate Mousse Pie from Sweet Tammy's

Simple Healthy Light Dinner
Baked Salmon, Twice Baked Potato, Celery Sticks, Rhodes Rolls



Cheesy yumminess of Twice Baked Potato





Fun Details!

While its quite obvious my pear shaped body is obsessed with pencil skirts please bear with my while I get over my compulsion to keep wearing purple!!!!

I am now on Pinterest!

Follow Me on Pinterest


Coat: BB Dakota/borrowed from friend, Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Skirt: Bisou Bisou JCP,
Booties: Gabriel Brother, Tights: Express, Earrings: F21, Shades: F21



 Details:






Monday, February 13, 2012

this is devoted to fashion!

Sorry lovers friends and readers . . .  it has been a while. Hopefully I will now begin to get in the groove of things! Wow NYFW has been insanely beautiful!

Music I'm Listening to:
and for you to listen to while your are reading





Inspirational Designer Moments:

Rachel Zoe:




the chic stylist gone designer herself





Chanel:





Jason Wu:




 Giorgio Armani:




Christian Siriano:





Street Style








S**t Fashion Girls Say Guy!!!!







Friday, February 3, 2012

What to do for New Years . . .

I can't say I'm one for planning ahead. In fact I can definitely say I am the biggest smallest (reference to my < 5 ft stature) last minute planner in the world. So when New Years Eve rolls around it's no surprise that I have no plans two days before.

I ran to Giant Eagle Thursday night where I bought some pins for the awesome First Night program the Pittsburgh CLO throws every year downtown. Just a quick summary of what First Night in case your city doesn't offer it, it's a community and family oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts.


Me and Gary were lucky enough to be accompanied by my brother and sister-in-law David and Leah. We saw the shows given by local musicians House of Soul and the talented members of Cello Fury. It was so nice to have a wonderful night with family where we could enjoy ourselves without the need to be inebriated. And it was beautiful. 





Posing with Mr. Steely McBeam
Outside the Benedum Theatre seating. Can't see I'll be sitting in the orchestra seating every time though
Cello Fury!! Their hair aaaaalmost struggles to compete with their music for attention.
Farewell 2011!
Helloooooo 2012 and pretty fireworks!
I'm totally jealous of the pink boa! 










Outfit of the Moment: Leather and Loaded Up with Bling!

Chilling on Emergency Stair Case. Whatevs. Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Skirt: Wilson Leathers, Tights: Hue, Shoes: Chinese Laundry, Earrings: Boutique La Passerale, Ring: Wetseal

New Years I bring out all my bling
Sick Ring