Coincidence?

When I saw this picture of Taylor on Twitter last week I was struck by how familiar it looked. It was almost as if I had seen it before...

... and then I remembered that I most certainly had.

Coincidence? I think not... 

That's only the beginning of the similarities...

They both look great in hats...

... and dashing in tuxedos

They both like girls with a bit of a "wild streak" when it comes to hair (be it blue, pink, etc.)

They've mastered the art of the self-portrait (I mean, can you blame them?)

and they always treat their leading ladies right. :)

FreakerUSA

If you're like me, you spent the majority of your Thursday afternoon lounging around lazily, eating bonbons, and devouring the latest issue of Matchbook Magazine that went live today. (That's really only a slight exaggeration...) And, if you're like me, you were disappointed to see that Matchbook chose to feature the "Wine Monkey" by Urban Outfitters in their roundup of amazing stocking stuffers. I know this comes as a surprise because anyone who knows me will tell you a. I love wine b. I love monkeys. But, anyone who knows me will also tell you I do NOT love a copycat. 


Enter: Freaker.

"Manufactured in Troy, North Carolina, Freakers are nationally recognized as the one-size-fits-all knit koozie that functionally makes your beverage feel special. Presented in myriad of prismatic designs; the Freaker is a strong, tight knit that keeps your liquids insulated in style!"

[Freakers: Oprah, Ralphie, and Chuck.]

[lame UO version]

Don't believe me that they stole the idea? 

Enter: Panda

[Original]

[Knockoff]

Wait, so you're telling me that Urban Outfitters stole the original design from Freaker, had it produced on the cheap in China (thus exploiting laborers), made it less functional, and still managed to charge you more for it? Yep. Lame. Mega lame. So, if you're like me, you want to go right on over to Freaker, freak all your friends this holiday season, and definitely not waste your time/money at Urban Outfitters this Christmas/ever.

After all, the Matchbook girl is original. Never a duplication/knockoff/cheap imitation. Right?

Pixie

Hi friends... Just wanted to pop in to say hello and fill you in on an amazing deal our friends at Williams-Sonoma are offering right now...


As you all know, I looove coffee, specifically lattes. I always start my day with one (or three) from the comfort of my own kitchen thanks to the Nespresso Pixie. This little machine is a life-changer. Seriously, perfect espresso, every single time, and zero clean up. (insert Hallelujah chorus) I use the Aeroccino Plus to froth my milk (perfection) and you can save $140 on the little duo if you hop on over to Williams-Sonoma right now (offer ends today.)


ALSO, with the purchase of your machine you will receive a $75 credit to purchase the Nespresso capsules (which are, in-sanely good, the absolute best quality, and ridiculously convenient.) 


Did I mention shipping is free?* Because it is. 


Tonto, jump on it. I ordered one, Rob ordered one, which basically means you should too. It makes a great gift (for yourself or someone whom you absolutely a-dore**)

[save $100]

[save $40]

*Enter the code: "ship4free" at checkout. 


**It Takes Two reference? #duh


p.s. The ideas expressed in this post are my own. I was in no way compensated by Nespresso, Williams-Sonoma, Bill Clinton, etc. etc. etc... Just a recommendation from a friend to a friend. :)


p.p.s. Notice anything looking extra festive? I decked Soliloquy's halls yesterday! Holly jolly... [Photos 1 and 3 are by Taylor (always give credit where credit is due...)]

Soft-boiled Eggs

Look, I know my way around the kitchen. As the daughter of restaurateurs, I learned at a young age how to sauté, flambé, and sashay left and right. So imagine my dismay when my aunt introduced me to the wonder that is: the soft-boiled egg. I'm still a little puzzled as to how this deliciousness has evaded me for 22 years (oh wait, maybe it has something to do with the fact that I just started eating eggs 6 months ago... Foodie fail.)

I think the soft boiled egg slides under the radar because her tasteless, chalky sister (the hard boiled egg) steals the show. But, in my opinion, the silky, creamy soft-boiled alternative is the only way to go.

All you have to do is...

1. Fill up a sauce pan about halfway with water. 

2. Bring to a boil. 

3. Reduce heat to a simmer and add egg(s). 

4. Cook for 6 minutes and then remove from water. 

5. I like to run cool water over it for few seconds so it is easier to handle.

6. Peel and enjoy. 

Cyber Monday

Happy Cyber Monday, friends! Are you doing some Christmas shopping this afternoon? I've been looking around for some ideas... but truth be told, if I buy gifts this early I always end up giving them early too. I take "it is better to give than to receive" to a whole new level. I.love.it. 


This year I'm trying to be mindful not only of what I give, but also where it comes from. I  am focusing more on handmade items and products made in America. Taylor's brother and his girlfriend set a $20 limit for each other and they made the stipulation that whatever they buy must be pre-owned. Hats off to them! (They are both super creative, so I'm sure their gifts will be superb.)


Despite having a 500+ collection of Crayola crayons as a child, I've never been overwhelmingly artistic. This year though, I do want to put a little something "personal" into some of my gifts. Granted, my Christmas cards will never feature my own original art or calligraphy work, but that doesn't mean I can't DIY something special for the people I love. 


I'm thinking about using a 50/50 approach for some of my gifts: 50% purchased, 50% created. Example:


Purchased: vintage Santa mug (bonus points because it's pre-owned!)
Created: Hot chocolate mix (recipe here)

Purchased: vintage Cookie jar
Created: batch of cookies & recipe printed on a pretty note-card

These would make good gifts for neighbors or hostesses, and making part of it yourself shows you care (and a vintage cookie jar says "you're worth more to me than a cheap Glad container/paper plate with plastic wrap.") As for the people closest to me, I'll have to keep the details of their presents under wraps (ha, get it!) After all, they are my most faithful followers... hi mom. :)

Guilt-free Friday!

Well turkeys, did you have a happy Thanksgiving? I most certainly did. And as much as I love fall, I couldn't be more thrilled that the Christmas season "officially" starts today! Hoping to get a little shopping done and then kicking the weekend off with pizza at Mellow Mushroom tonight... It's our Black Friday tradition! I hope your weekend is absolutely magical, filled with the peace and joy that always seems to accompany the Christmas season! Until Monday... 

Hey! It's ok...

... To love that scented candle so much you actually carry it with you from room to room

... If Christmas music accounts for 95% of the Black Friday appeal

... If 95% of your phone's storage capacity is filled with snapshots of your pup. 

a·bun·dance

(noun)

1. A great or plentiful amount
2. Fullness to overflowing 

Synonyms:
plentiful - copious - profuse - ample - affluent - rich

Here's to cuddling up with loved ones, flipping through a multitude of circulars, and watching as the television slowly fades from the parade to football games. 

As I sit back on this day of thankfulness, one word comes to mind above all others: abundance. I am so very fortunate, so richly blessed. And as easy as it is to get wrapped up in the splendor of this fine day- the falling leaves, the delicious foods, the people we are so blessed to spend this time with, let us always remember to give thanks. My heart is so full of gratitude, to the One who provides it all, Jehovah-Jireh.