Fashion, Outfit of the Day

Look Glamorous in Gray

Gray anything is a worthy wardrobe investment. Being a neutral, it is very versatile and matches just about everything. This time of year I start to break out a lot of gray because it’s a good transitional color. While all the stores have rolled out their spring merchandise and bright hues, maybe you don’t feel like wearing bright pink and green in January. So, tone down those vibrant pieces by mixing in some gray tones.   How about this outfit for under $100?! No matter near or far from San Francisco, this dress is perfect for you! Its draped cut makes it suitable for all body types and it is a great layering piece. Being in Cali, I was able to get away with bare legs, but it is the perfect length to wear over some printed leggings if you’re in a cooler climate. Anyway, I added some glam to this rather simple dress by pairing it with a paisley navy blue scarf and high heeled knee-high taupe boots (only $40 and available in black too!). I turned it up a notch with my gold and blue Ray-Ban mirrored sunglasses, and further accessorized with a glitzy watch, gold bangles and a […]

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Fashion, Outfit of the Day

Faux Fur and Faux Leather

Faux fur and faux leather…why not? When I purchased this Buffalo David Bitton vest from Current Clothing, I knew it deserved some special consideration. And like I’ve said before, when styling a stand-out garment, let that piece alone be the center of attention. Rather than rockin’ the vest with jeans or slacks, I kicked it up a notch with a vegan leather skirt…you can get away with skirts during the mild winter months in San Francisco. As with any piece of art, mixed media always stands out – and coordinating an outfit is definitely a work of art…so fur and leather it is!   In the ensemble below, I paired my red fur vest with a black high-waisted midi skirt (available at Current Clothing but similar here). I find high-waisted bottoms particularly flattering for petite women. They do not cut off our already short torsos! Instead, they hit in just the right place (if you live in a colder climate, try high-waisted vegan leather pants). Although any black top would work, I decided to tuck in a champagne blouse (available at Current Clothing but similar here) for some variation. With champagne being in the same color family as gold, I could get away with using a leopard […]

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Veggetti pasta and meatballs
Food, Recipes

Dinner is Served: Veggetti and Meatballs

When you’re craving the fixings for a traditional Italian dish, but you could do without the carbs, turn to the Veggetti! This kitchen gadget for under $15 actually works and is extremely easy to use. In the photos below, I prepared my meatballs and tomato sauce hours before in the slow-cooker, then garnished my veggie noodles with the meatball concoction. My favorite recipe for Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs is from the archives of skinnytaste.com.   Here is what you’ll need to whip up your favorite pasta dish (minus the pasta!):     Veggetti small bowl Gourmet Recipe Guide zucchini, squash, or veggie of choice prepared sauce or topping   Step one: Wash vegetables and peel them if you choose.   Step two: Remove cover from veggetti and insert zucchini into either the end  marked “thin” or the end marked “thick.” Gripping metal holders, twist the zucchini clockwise. When zucchini gets too short, use cover to continue twisting.     Step three: Bring water to a boil and add zucchini pasta for two minutes only. Refer to the recipe guide for recommended cooking times.   Step four: Drain zucchini noodles and top with your favorite sauce and enjoy!     For a limited […]

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Travel, Where to Stay

Best Napa Valley Inn

During my recent visit to Calistoga, CA, I had the pleasure of staying at a very charming inn. Just 15 minutes north of all the wine tasting in Napa Valley, sits The Chanric Inn – my new favorite bed and breakfast in Northern California. Did I mention it is dog-friendly?!     After a long day of wine tasting and an early dinner at Tra Vigne in St. Helena, make your way up to Calistoga (known for its spa mineral and mud baths) for a relaxing stay at the Chanric Inn. You will be kindly greeted by the owner and offered some champagne and Lindor chocolates. Make your way into your beautifully decorated room where yet another sweet treat and complimentary bottles of water await.     A short drive or brisk walk to Lincoln Avenue (the most “happenin’” street in Calistoga), here you’ll find a number of restaurants, shops, and bars. Make the effort to stop in for a cocktail at Susie’s Bar, Napa Valley’s oldest. If you’re in the mood for some fine food, Barolo serves delicious Italian dishes – get the burrata appetizer. And if you’re with your dog, there is patio seating. When you make your […]

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Beauty, Etcetera, Fashion, Wish List Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday: Fashionable Makeup Bags and Travel Totes

If you’re on the hunt for a new set of makeup bags and travel totes, this post is for you! Stephanie Johnson’s assortment of products will streamline the way you pack. Never worry again about your toiletries getting damaged in your suitcase and carry your cosmetics and jewelry in style.   Meet the ML Traveler: Just the right size for the hair products you can’t live without, perfume, and skincare essentials. Also featuring two “snap-out” pouches, throw in some hair ties and bobby pins and primp on the go with the included mirror. Available in eight gorgeous fabrics and prints.       Meet the Katie Folding Cosmetic bag: This pouch is perfect for the light packer or for the girl who carries her makeup in her purse. Sort your beauty wares in two zip pockets and easily find what you’re looking for thanks to the clear construction. This sharp looking case could pass for a clutch purse during the evening hours.       Meet the Julianna Jewelry Case: This piece has got it goin’ on. If you can’t part with your jewels, even for just the weekend, then you’ve experienced the frustration of opening up your jewelry carrier […]

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