Friday Pics: A Christmas Edition

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

While I blast my jams (christmas carols, what else!) and preheat the oven in preparation for cooking  tonight's family xmas eve dinner, I do hope the Christmas cheer is as alive in your heart as it is in mine!

Holiday Gift Guide: For Around the Home

I'm not saying that things make a home, but you don't hear me complaining about such gorgeous things.

1. Happy Chic Set of 2 Pop Canisters from Jonathan Adler, 2. Chinoiserie Green Teacup from Mydeco, 3. Oval Ikat Lampshade from Etsy, 4. Elf Candleholder from Cb2, 5. Cast Iron Apple Pot from terrain, 6. Sparrow Clips from MoMA. 

7. High Tea Baking Cups from Confectionery House, 8. Fine Dining Placemats from Anthropologie, 

9. Selenite Brass Box from Kelly Wearstler, 10. Midas Glassware Collection from Design Within Reach, 

11. Queue Vase from Z Gallarie, 12. Nixon Throw from Jonathan Adler.

13. Kelly Wearstler's Grodian Weave Cushion from Plum Cushion, 14. Tapestry Collection Plate from French Bull, 15. Guppy Barware from Z Gallerie, 16. Sticky Teaspoons from Anthropologie, 17. Lacey Tray from Chiasso, 18. Cheese Knives from Decor Craft.

19. MOR Cosmetics Soap Opera Gift Set, 20. Agate Pedra Coasters from MoMA, 21. Ikat Bowls from Anthropologie, 22. 3 Mini Candles Diptyque from Space NK, 23. Five Nesting Ranunculus Rose Bowls from Etsy. 

Holiday Cheer: Snowmen Bars

Hello folks. How goes it?

I've landed safety in Singapore and have spent the last few days suffering from a serious case of jet lag, but have also been busying myself with Christmas prep.

Today Mama T and I finally put up the Christmas decorations and after I type this quick post, we're off to get the groceries for Christmas dinner.

I do hope your holiday prep has been going well, that the turkey has been bought and stuffed, that the gifts are sitting merrily under the tree, and most importantly that the mood in your home is festive and happy.

In the meantime, if you are in need of a quick and easy handmade gift, here is my sweet treat for you!

Simply rewrap store-bought chocolate bars to make these cheerful little confections!

Tools and Materials:
Chocolate Bars
Ivory paper
Glue stick
Orange paper
Pen
Ribbon or yarn

How to:
1. Wrap bar in white paper, taping seams.
2. Using your marker or pen, draw eyes and mouth.
3. Glue small triangle of orange paper for nose.
4. For scarf, wrap ribbon or yarn around the bar twice; knot, and trim to desired length.

Happy almost Christmas!

Holiday Gift Guide: Rocker Chic

For the rebel in all of us.

1. Starry Eye Liquid Liner from Too Faced, 2. Adrien Shiny Chelsea Boots from TopShop, 3. Super Skinny Printed Stretch Jean from Tory Burch, 4.Club Master Wayfarer Sunglasses from Ray-Ban, 5. Rhinestone Triple Finger Rings from Urban Outfitters.

6. Hand Painted Silk Skull Scarf from Etsy, 7. Tab Sleeve Plaid Shirt from Mall-LA, 8. Spiked Bib Necklace from Madewell, 9. Leather Cut Away Fingerless Flat Stud Gloves from ASOS, 10. Studded Denim Vest from Nasty Gal. 

11. Small Enamel Skull Bracelet from Alexander McQueen, 12. MIA Marion Shoes, 13. Leather Biker from TopShop, 14.Shashi Single Strand Gold Nugget Bracelet, 15. Tokdidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow, 16. Leopard Tail Blouse from Nasty Gal, 17. Moto Acid Wash Denim Hotpants from TopShop, 18. Double Row Mixed Metal Crosses Necklace from TopShop.

Friday Pics

The Presents Under My Little Wooden Tree

I leave for Singapore today!!! Excited does not even close to describing how I feel, for there's no place like home for the Holidays! Wish me safe travels ya'll. 

Oh, there’s no place like
home for the holidays,
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam
When you pine for the sunshine
Of a friendly face
For the holidays, you can’t beat
Home, sweet home

I met a man who lives in Tennessee
And he was headin’ for Pennsylvania
And some home made pumpkin pie
From Pennsylvania folks a travelin’ down
To Dixie’s sunny shore
From Atlantic to Pacific, gee
The traffic is terrific

Oh there's no place like home
For the holidays, ‘cause no matter
How far away you roam
If you want
To be happy in a million ways
For the holidays, you can’t beat
Home, sweet home 

Holiday Gift Guide: Ladylike Classic

Because classics never go out of style!

1. Parker Loose Long Sleeve from ShopBop, 2. Ted Baker Bobble Kisslock Leather Clutch, 3. Rhinestone Elastic Bracelet from Forever 21, 4. Houndstooth Jacquard Woven Jacket from American Apparel.

5. Faux Fur Jacket by Love from Topshop, 6. Charles by Charles David Black Pumps, 7. Hand Held Zip Around Patent Bag from ASOS, 8. Alphabet Rings from Catbird.

9. Crushed Roses Mini Skirt from Banana Republic, 10. Into the Midst Set from Anthropologie, 11. Hyacinth Nico Cluster Studs from Rachel Leigh, 12. Movie Heart Trim Lace Pumps from TopShop.

13. Bruce II Pleated Trouser from La Garçonne, 14. Ice Cluster Bib Necklace from Madewell, 15. Max Mara Atelier "Eleonor" Coat from MazMara, 16. YSL Rouge Pur Couture SPF 15, 17. Plaid Mini from Old Navy.

18. Dream Alexie Sweater from Jcrew, 19. Unique Pink Quarts Silver Earrings from Antique Style Collection, 20. Leather Belt from Zara, 21. Gold Frame Clasp Piped Handbag from TopShop, 22. Twirl Bow Cuff from Kate Spade.

Holiday Gift Guide: Bohemian

For the girl that has a little bohemian chic in her.

1. Winter Kate Jasmine Winter Cardy in Purple, 2. Feather Trim Floppy Hat from TopShop, 3. Peacock Feather Pendent by Forever 21, 4. Lincoln Park After Dark From OPI, 5.Sadie Faux Fur Coat by Nasty Gal.

6. Turquoise Cuff Bracelet, 7. Sequined Fringed Leather Bag from TopShop, 8. Jeffery Campbell Wedge, 9. The Bohemian Dress from Planet Blue.

10. Brixton Gain Fedora from Revolve Clothing, 11. Floral Batwing Sleeve Kimono from TopShop, 12. Type Z Panema Shoes, 13. Abstract Stone Ring from TopShop.

14. Peacock Feather Earrings from Ron Herman, 15. Victorie Long Dress from Winter Kate, 16. Gold Aviator Sunglasses from ASOS, 17. Green Quartz Cabachon Necklace from Robindira Unsworth,
18. Printed Wellington Boots from Missoni, 19. Silver Seraphina Headband from Eugenia Kim.

Holiday Cheer: Holiday Party Hosting Tips

When I was younger, my life's ambition was to not work a day in my life. I wanted to just sit home and eat bon bons all day. Yes, I am for real.

Once I got older, I thought about becoming an ambassador, just so I could throw sophisticated soirees all the time. (Because somewhere in my little mind, that's all an ambassador did. Foreign relations be dammed.) Now that I am actually a working gal, and seriously doubt that a career in foreign affairs in anywhere in my future, I settle for throwing the occasional miniature dinner party.

This year, my best friend and I have every intention of hosting a holiday dinner party and we've been dreaming up sample menus. We're excited to say the least, but more on that another time.

For now, here are some gorgeous pictures and holiday tips to help get the creative juices following for your own holiday party.

Tip #1: When it comes to selecting candles for your tablescape, chose votive candles instead of tapers to give your table a more casual yet intimate feel. Added bonus: The dim light also casts an attractive glow and makes everyone look great.

Tip #2: Keep center pieces and candles low so that everyone can actually make eye contact across the table.

Tip #3: Greet all guest with a cocktail, champagne or prosecco as soon as they walk through the door. It's a great way to get into the spirit.

Tip #4: Instead of stocking your entire bar for your party, why not offer a single holiday-themed house cocktail. Supplement with wine, beer and sparkling water. Added bonus: By streamlining your bar, you not only save time but also money! 

Tip#5: If you must have a fully stocked bar. Here are my tips on what you should save and splurge on. 

• Vodka: Save. Because vodka is suppose to be a tasteless alcohol, the lower priced ones don't have that horrible flavor that other cheap liquors might have. 
• Whisk(e)ys and Scotch: Splurge. This one is a no brainer since these spirits are usually drunk straight up or on the rocks.
• Gin: Save. A low end gin will most probably take the bloom out of your martini but if you are looking for something to mix with other alcohols, you can afford to avoid the top-shelf. Just make sure you aren't going so cheap that you have an artificially juniper flavored one (check the label).
• Bourbon: Splurge. Cheaper Bourbons tend to give you the burn without the flavor. 
• Rum: Splurge. Taking the cheapskate route will likely give you a rum that taste more like an Island backalley than a sugarcanned vacation.
• Tequila: To be honest, no one is going to go near this stuff during the holiday season, so save and don't even get any! 
• Club Soda or Tonic Water: Splurge. It may seem instinctive to save on the mixers but store brands can go flat quickly and often have an aftertaste to them.
• Juices: Splurge- fresh squeezed is always best because you don't want that corn syrupy taste. 

Tip#6: Make a whimsical sign for your bar like "Santa's Favorites". Guests will know where to find their drinks and will get a kick out of your creativity.

Tip #7: When Decking the Halls, don't be afraid to venture outside the traditional red and green Christmas colors. I'm loving the purple and magenta hues.

Tip #8: Consider the first thing guest see when entering your home. A bold, creative wreath sets the festive tone for what's to come.

Tip #9: Scatter plenty of bowls of snacks, like nuts, olives or even a cup full of candy canes, through out the house.

 

Tip #10:  Hang candy canes, scatter silver and gold tinsel on a table, or stick ornaments in a vase of bowl for decoration. 

Tip #11: Keep the music upbeat and holiday specific. Make sure to have your music playing way before guest are due to arrive, so that an early straggler does not show up to an awkwardly quiet house. 

Tip #12: You'll have more fun at your party if you let go of the idea that a party has to be perfect. Parties are about fun, not perfection. So lighten up and enjoy yourself!

All Images Courtesy of Loony.

Friday Pics and a Poem

Breakfast In Bed. Cardinal In Winter. Alexandra Grablewsk. Breathe

While I usually despise poems, this one made me laugh. 

Diagnosis

by Sharon Olds

By the time I was six months old, she knew something
was wrong with me. I got looks on my face
she had not seen on any child
in the family, or the extended family,
or the neighborhood. My mother took me in
to the pediatrician with the kind hands,
a doctor with a name like a suit size for a wheel:
Hub Long. My mom did not tell him
what she thought in truth, that I was Possessed.
It was just these strange looks on my face—
he held me, and conversed with me,
chatting as one does with a baby, and my mother
said, She's doing it now! Look!
She's doing it now! and the doctor said,
What your daughter has
is called a sense
of humor. Ohhh, she said, and took me
back to the house where that sense would be tested
and found to be incurable.

Happy Friday! 

Holiday Gift Guide: Preppy

Because you always pop your collar.

 1. Bright Argyle Socks from GAP, 2. Satin Bow Headband from Forever 21, 3. Essie Nail Polish in Chubby Cheeks, 4. Kate Spade Umbrella, 5. Mardi Gras Glass Studs from Kate Spade, 6. Boutonniere Blazer from Jcrew.

7. Stacy Shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch, 8. The Quality Mending Co. Duffel Bag from Madewell, 9. Kacy Fringed Loafers from TopShop, 10. Small Idiom Bangle from Kate Spade, 11. Lilybeth Bow Front Bag from Forever 21.

12. Horizontal Stripped Scarf from Meg Cohen, 13. Bow On Pearl Bracelet from TopShop, 14. Stretch Piqué Polo from Lacoste, 15. Coral Me Crazy Thermal Mug from Lily Pulitzer, 16. Leather Flats with Metal Trim from Sam Edelman, 17. Be Dazzled Elizabeth Cardigan from Kate Spade.

18. Ruffle Collar Wool-Blend Jacket from Old Navy, 19. Everest Overnight bag from Rag & Bone, 20. Taffeta Bow Headband from Forever 21, 21. Tristan Yacht Cardigan from Delia's, 22. The Archive Leather Boot from Madewell.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Kids

Because you love them to pieces!

1. Like a Rainbow Clatter from Land of Nod, 2. Dancing Alligator Pull Toy from Giggle, 3. P'kolino Triangle Pencils from Black Wago, 4. Blossom Red Shoes from Livie & Luca.

5. Mix it up Kids Toy Kitchen from Land of Nod, 6. Little Society Wolf Thermal Set, 7. Suede Tracks from Trumpette, 8. Flower Power Ballet Flats from JCrew, 9. Monkey Mittens from Uncommon Goods.

10. Pink Chicken Reese Bird Print Dress from Chi Chi Bean, 11. Converse Kids Chuck Taylor, 12. Owl & Friends Ball Trio from Skip Hop, 13. Petite Fleur Dress from JCrew, 14. 14 Piece Vegetable Set from Ikea, 15. Felted Princess Crown and Bracelets from Garnet Hill.

16. Paint your Own Large Wood Family from Etsy, 17. Broken-In Critter Chino from JCrew, 18. 3D Puzzle Globe from MoMA Store, 19. Tristan Knight from Nova Natural, 20. Domestic Diva Lemondrop Apron from Etsy, 21. Ladybug Backpack from Forest & Zoe.

A Night of Cheap Eats in New York

Traveling for work with my boss always means I get to eat well. However, after 4 days straight (2 in Miami and 2 in New York) of 3 hour long fine dining, I had endured enough and my patience (and stomach) was wearing thin. Now don't get me wrong, the snob in me enjoys fine dining like it's my job, but 4 days in a row... I was in desperate need of street eats- delicious, quick and cheap food.

Answering the call was my best friend's older sister Shu, who recently moved to New York to get her second, yes you read right, second law degree.

On our way to our intended first stop, Xi'an Famous Foods, we got distracted by the Wafles & Dinges truck. Impulsively we decided to do dessert before our main course because apparently, you make rash decisions when you are starving.

Owned and operated by an IBM consultant who traded in his brief case for a waffle iron, the bright yellow Wafels & Dinges Truck offers both sweet and savory options. I, under recommendation from Shu, ordered de throwdown wafel, named after the legendary Throwdown Battle with Chef Bobby Flay. The good folks from Wafels & Dinges came out victorious in case you were wondering.

Topped with a huge mound of whipped cream and smothered generously with speckuloos, de throwndown wafel was warm, delicious and was everything I wanted in an "appetizer." 

The Liege wafel itself was soft and chewy. Additionally, there was a certain denseness and sweetness to the wafel that stood out against the usual crisp Belgian Waffles that I am used too. But what made this wafel great was the little bits of pearl sugar that crystallized on the outside of the waffle, giving it an extra oomph of sweetness and texture. Mmmm. 

Meanwhile the Speckuloos- a Belgian Gingerbread spread- was simply divine. Not too sweet, it paired beautifully with the wafel and hinted subtly of a Graham cracker.

After this minor but very worthwhile sidetrack (which by the way, also included a brief interaction with an African American lady who was on a noble quest to track down and try all the food trucks in NYC), we veered back on path toward Xi'an Famous Foods. 

When we finally arrived at Xi'an Famous Foods, it had a long line out the door. Inside the small 3-table shop, pictures of menu items adorned the wall, as if we were in a foreign country and needed pictorial guides. Despite the crowd, luck was with us and we snagged a table as soon as we entered the door. 

Well... it wasn't so much luck as it was me pushing my way forward and surging for the empty table before this meek little Asian girl had a chance to blink. It wasn't even a competition, searching for tables at busy hawker centers in Singapore has me well trained. 

While I guarded our precious table, I let Shu do the ordering. First up to bat, the Mount Qi Pork Hand-pulled (aka La Mian) Noodles. 

I die. There is nothing else I can say.

Well not really, but I thought those two words would adequately convey my feelings for this dish. The freshly made noodles were perfectly pulled/slapped/stretched/ flapped and... well whatever technical magic that goes into making La Mian. With the right amount of chew and texture to it, these noodles had such a luciously rich mouthfeel to it. I'm drooling now just thinking about them. Furthermore, the thing about hand-pulled noodles that I love is not only the amazing texture but the beautifully flawed inconsistency in their size and shape.They are living proof that imperfection is interesting. And delicious!

Besides the heavenly noodles, the pork topping was sour, spicy and tingly all at the same time! The divine combination of the chewy noodles and flavorful pork really made my taste buds howl in delight! If you are looking for a deeply satisfying meal, the Mount Qi Hand-pulled noodles from Xi'an's is the way to go.

Having shared the noodles, Shu also thought it wise to order the savory cumin lamb burger. Now I don't usually include prices in my blog reviews, but I would be doing everyone a disservice if I did not tell you that this lovely lamb burger only cost $2.50! 

Price aside, let me tell you more about this lamb burger. The only similarities that the lamb burger has with a regular burger is in its size, which is roughly the same. But that is where the similarities end. 

Instead of a meat patty, this burger has chunks of smokey cumin coated lamb that are sauteed with jalapenos, onions, and scallions. The lamb is then stuffed into a hard, crispy-warm bun that is more like a toasted English muffin. Similar to a Hamburger or not, this lamb burger is deeply aromatic and fragrant and tasted like nothing out of any Asian eatery I know. 

Stuffed and deeply satisfied, we wandered the streets of New York (where we actually made a quick pit stop for an Australian Meat Pie) for a while before heading back to Shu's gorgeous new home. 

Later that night, and yes, with the Phua's there is always a later that night ;), we found ourselves at Pomme Frites looking to satisfy our late night hankering for fries. 

Another "Hole in the Wall", Pomme Frites serves just fries and a multitude of dipping sauces. We shared a large order of the Belgian fries with the following sauces and garnishes to compliment them: Ketchup, especial (frite sauce, ketchup and raw onions), frites sauce (traditional European mayo) and a horseradish mayo. 

Freshly cut and fried in a giant vat, the fries were hot and sinfully crispy on the outside, while mealy on the inside. They were the perfect vehicle for the myriad of sauces we ordered, and the perfect late-night snack.

Details:

Wafels & Dinges

Xi'an Famous Foods

81st Mark's Place

New York, NY 10003

Pommes Frites

123 Second Ave

New York, NY 10003

212-674-1234

Birthday Wishes

Birthday wishes for this 5-year-old, whose love for life, love and hot dogs is simply infectious. 

Happy Birthday Luca! May God continue to bless and keep you.

A BIG hug and a BIG kiss, 

Aunty Nic

Friday Pics: Sunset

Taken at the Dana Point Beach. Lovely sunset, freezing temps.

Holiday Gift Guide: Cards and Wrap

Gorgeous cards for penning holiday sentiments and festive trinkets for adorning Christmas gifts. After all, presentation is half the battle.

1. Gift tags- Jolly Jingle Bells. $6 for 6 from seasonaldelights 2. Card:Gift-giving face off. $13.50 from afavorite 3. Holiday Stationary Set of 4. $11.95 for 4 from LBC Paper

4. Merry Christmas- Vintage Style Luxury Gift Tags. $9.25 from craftypagan 5. Wool Felted Acorn Ornament. $12 for 5 from angeldogdesigns  6. Under the Mistletoe- Round Gift Tags. $7.49 for 15 from momentinthesun 7. Bakers Twine red/white. $5 for 10 meters from ballee.

8. Joy to All Gnomes. $16 for pack of 6 from Egg Press. 9. Peppermint Stripe Lillipop. $22 for 14" Lollipop from In the Pink. 10. Gold Crown Ornament. $8 from Plum Party 11. Gleam Christmas Ribbon. Starting at $8.25 from Karaboo Ribbons.

 12. Oy Vey Cards. $16 for 8 from Fresh Frances 13. Merry Christmas Note Cards. $8.50 for set of 5 from Whimsywhimsical 14. Shabby Cottage Christmas Ribbon. $3 from Sewcutedesigns1 15. Christmas Cupcake Wrappers. $12 for set of 12 from SweetTalkDesigns.

Holiday Cheer: Letters to Santa

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to tag along with my brother's family as they took their kids to the City of Mission Viejo's annual holiday fair where Santa made an appearance, on a fire engine no less. The excitement on my darling little nephew's face was just so precious.

I don't remember any of these Santa shenanigans from my childhood because I didn't grow up believing in Santa. To me, he was just another character that came about during the Christmas season, like Rudolph, or Frosty the Snowman. I was never told specifically that Santa wasn't real (or maybe I was? I don't remember) nor was I told that he was. If I am not wrong, this was a conscious decision on the part of Mama T.

When I tell some people this, they feel sad for me, thinking that I missed out on some kind of magical tradition, or right of passage that every child goes through. On the contrary, I don't feel like I missed out on anything. I mean I still grew up loving Christmas and I still enjoyed the magic of the season... just maybe in a more adult realistic way I guess.

But then again, one could counter-argue and say you don't know what you've missed.

Either way, whether you still believe in Santa, used to believe in Santa or never believed in him, you can still get in the holiday mood by writing your letter to Jolly Ole St. Nicholas- real or imagined.

Download these free templates from Martha Steward and get cracking on your wish list and mail it to the North Pole... or leave it lying around for one of his "helpers" to find! ;)

Letter to Santa from a Boy 
Letter to Santa from a Girl
Letter to Santa from an Adult 

Holiday Gift Guide: Sparkles

For the friend who you secretly suspect is a magpie.

1. Kate Spade Charm Sandal, 2. Juicy Couture Pavé Bow Ring, 3. Sequin Embellished Dress from ASOS, 4. Sparkle Earings by Dori Csengeri from Charm & Chain.

5. Alva Gloves from Anthropologie, 6. Nanette Necklace from Gema Reduex, 7. Sephora for O.P.I in (from left to right) Flurry Up, Only Gold For Me and Sparkle Me Silver.

8. Dune Lantique Allover Beaded Clutch from ASOS, 9.Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter Sandals, 10. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pinked & Perforated Patent Oxfords, 11. S Headband from Ban.do.

 12. Sequin Skirt from GAP, 13. Three Tiered Beaded Necklace from Forever 21, 14. Stack of 4 Rings from Forever 21, 15. Jeweled Foldover Clutch from Banana Republic.

16. Debbi Sequined Tweed Mini Bag from Marc Jacobs, 17. Butter Chuchu Peep Toe Pump, 18. Bolly Disco from Vanessa Arizaga, 19. Rhinestone Candles from Z Gallerie, 20. Sequin Animals from West Elm, 21. Lindsay Bracelet from Archive Jewelry.