Links I Love

1. What your airplane seat says about your personality. (nypost.com)

2. The Love Actually characters then and now. (buzzfeed.com)

3. Beauty look I'm loving right now: lived-in eyeliner. (thebeautydepartment.com)

4. How vinyl records work, up close. (kottke.com)

5. A moroccan wedding blanket inspired tree skirt DIY. (designsponge.com)

6. Ideas on how to spice up your hot chocolate game this winter. (huffingtonpost.com)

7. Get your house smelling holiday-ready with this stove-top brew. (halfbakedharvest.com)

8. The cutest bear buns I have ever seen. (laurenconrad.com)

9. How to become the most compelling person you know. (inc.com)

Inspired By: Mélanie Laurent

When I see celebrities on the red carpet, I usually chalk up their perfect appearance to a team of expert hair stylists and makeup artists. And while I often find looks I love, I assume I won't be able to come close to replicating them on my own. But I now realize that's not the point. I shouldn't be attempting to recreate these looks so flawlessly that people mistake me for the celebrity (ha, wouldn't that be nice?), but rather it's about finding inspiration and incorporating new techniques into my own routine. 

I first came across this photograph of Mélanie Laurent a while back and saved it to my desktop. I was enamored with the entire look, from her wispy updo and subtle smoky eye to her pink cheeks and dewy skin. What I realized is that it's about pinpointing the details that I like so that I can at least experiment with them on my own. 

Gifting Homemade Pickled Vegetables

Finding the perfect gift around the holidays can be tough, which is why I love making something homemade - it's always thoughtful and appreciated. A couple of years back I made infused alcohols that were a hit, and this year I wanted to try my hand at pickling. I used carrot+ fennel seed, spicy radish, and tomatillo + dill pickling recipe to delicious results: the final product is tangy, spicy and would go well with my favorite sandwich. The best part is the vegetables get better with age, and cracking into them a couple weeks into the new year is a present unto itself. 

Holiday Spirits

For a fun twist on holiday gifts, I've infused alcohol with various flavors. It's a great way to provide a unique take on traditional cocktails and lets you customize the flavors for each person on your list. I experimented with three different spirits and added two complementary ingredients to each. I infused them for three days in a sealed jar, strained them into individual bottles, made some sparkly labels (with a glue pen and loose glitter), and added a jingle ball for a festive finishing touch.

Links I Love

1. A great trick for baking sugar cookies. (thekitchn.com)

2. 100 notable books of 2014. (nytimes.com)

3. Everything you need to know about "the lob."(thebeautydepartment.com)

4. Tips to cold emailing potential employers. (mashable.com)

5. Seven ways to add light to a room. (julieblanner.com)

6. A simple reminder about pluralizing last names for holiday cards. (katebrannen.com)

7. Loving this minimalist hair curling technique. (irrelephant-blog.com)

8. Ina Garten's 10 make-ahead tips. (blog.williams-sonoma.com)

9. Habits of remarkably polite people. (inc.com)

Valerie Confections Peppermint Bark Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Bark

1 pound still-molten tempered 61% bittersweet chocolate

1 teaspoon chopped dried mint

1 pound still-molten tempered 31% white chocolate

1 cup (6 ounces) chopped Peppermint candy

Peppermint Candy

1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon (10.72 ounces) sugar

3 tablespoons water

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (3 ounces) corn syrup

2 teaspoons peppermint oil

3 to 4 drops red food coloring

Excerpted from Sweet by Valerie Gordon (Artisan Books). Copyright (c) 2013.

Peppermint Candy

Combine the sugar and water in a 2-quart copper or heavy stainless steel saucepan, stir in the corn syrup, and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Set the pan over medium-high heat - do not stir the mixture again - and cook until the mixture reaches 310-degrees Fahrenheit. 

Meanwhile, spray a slab of marble with nonstick cooking spray or coat lightly with a neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed. Put the peppermint oil and food coloring next to the marble.

As soon as the syrup reaches 310-degrees Fahrenheit, pour it onto the center of the marble slab. Quickly pour the peppermint oil and a few drops of red food coloring onto the candy. Using two offset spatulas, spread the candy out with one spatula while folding it over with the second one. Continue this pattern over and over, reversing the movement with each pass. You are creating thing layers in the cooked sugar that will result in a pleasing crunchy texture once the candy sets. The candy will become more difficult to move as it hardens - that's a sign that you are finished folding and "pulling" the candy. Let cool until hard to the touch, about 10 minutes.

With a cleaver or sharp chef's knife, chop the candy into small pieces.

The peppermint candy can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months. 

Peppermint Bark

Spray a 13-by-18-by-1-inch baking sheet with nonstick baking spray. Line with a sheet of parchment paper.

Pour the tempered bittersweet chocolate onto the baking sheet and use a large offset spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the dried mint over the chocolate. Refrigerate on a level surface for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chocolate has set and pulled away from the edges of the pan. 

Let the bittersweet chocolate layer come to room temperature, then spread the tempered white chocolate evenly over it. (Do not spread the white chocolate while the chocolate layer is still cold, or the white chocolate will set too quickly and the bark will be uneven.) Sprinkle with the chopped peppermint candy. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, about 2 hours, then break it into 2-to-3-inch pieces. 

Things I've Learned After Turning 21: Perfectionism

I’ve admitted many times on this site that I consider myself a perfectionist. The root of this is two-fold: one, it comes from being afraid of failure and two, I'm a people pleaser by nature, which means that I hate disappointing anyone. As a child who was perpetually the center of attention, I felt like I had to be perfect because all eyes were on me. Not only was that not the case (my parents lead busy, fulfilled lives outside of just me), but I also set unrealistic expectations for myself that I could rarely live up to. I admit that I still strive for perfection and while it's not a realistic goal, I now look forward to the challenge of improving myself through both mistakes and successes.

Work. I have always strived to create a space that provides inspiration for people who share my similar tastes. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes it falls flat. Readers definitely let you know either way and while I find a lot of pride in receiving compliments on the work, far too often negative feedback would erase my sense of accomplishment. Trying to create the perfect post for every reader is obviously impossible (I'll never be able to please everyone), so my focus remains on creating content that challenges and inspires me, while being open to constructive dialogues.

Friends. I used to have truly unrealistic standards for myself in my friendships. I'd rarely cancel plans or modify existing ones for fear that people would see me as flaky or decide I simply wasn't worth it. And when someone bailed on a dinner last minute or wasn't able to come to my birthday party, I'd take it personally (um, I was a beast). Now I'm much more confident in the relationships that I have and that one missed connection doesn't indicate anything deeper than just that - sometimes you just need a night to yourself.

Entertaining. I've always put a lot of pressure on myself to be an impeccable host. I tend to get frazzled before guests arrive - making sure that everything is on schedule, that the house looks pristine and that the wine and cheese are at the ideal temperature. But my friends aren't looking for some exquisite dining experience: they're excited to spend an evening bonding over good food and fun company. The very first time I entertained, I invited friends over for 5-hour short ribs, which I'd started early in the afternoon. But minutes before guests arrived, I realized I hadn't turned on the oven properly. I panicked, but had a blast ordering pizza, opening up a nice bottle of wine and owning up to the mistake.

Age Expectations

When I was in third grade, I took an after school calligraphy class. Like most things I did, I took it very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that the teacher pulled my mom aside one day to make sure that my parents weren't putting some kind of crazy pressure on me at home. My mom reassured her that I was simply an intense kid with a penchant for perfectionism and that I'd been like that for as long as she could remember. It's been a while since my elementary school extracurricular activities (which also involved a troll doll sewing class) and admittedly, not much has changed. At 21, I'm still just as hard on myself, but the difference is that I now realize the fault in doing so.

From an early age, there are various societal pressures that seep into everything we do - from declaring your major in college and finding your first job, to deciding when to get married and have kids. They're inevitable questions that we have to answer countless times, but they end up impacting certain timelines we set for ourselves.  I'm not one of those women who always knew she wanted kids and I almost felt guilty for not being sure. But that's the other thing I've come to understand, there's nothing wrong with not having everything figured out. Sometimes there's comfort in being open to new situations that you simultaneously find terrifying.

I've never been one to associate goals with specific ages and the older I get, the more I realize how arbitrary all of those timelines really are. Instead of dwelling on the things I "should" have done by a certain age, I've been trying to shift my perspective to celebrate where I am at that moment. Part of that comes with maturity and a stronger sense of self, but I've found that living in the present means I'm enjoying more of my life.

I receive a lot of emails from people who are unsure of their future and dissatisfied with their current situation. I typically can't offer personally tailored advice, having such a small glimpse into their lives, but I share the same things that I tell myself when I'm feeling adrift (which happens often): work on being the best version of yourself, be surrounded by people you love, be kind to others, and live in the present. Focusing on those things helps me pay attention to what's truly important.

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 - Under $250

1. A match holder and striker pretty enough to leave out on the coffee table. ($190)

2. A metallic clutch for girl's night out. ($198)

3. Snake stud earrings with tiny diamond detailing. ($250)

4. Days of the week panties. ($195)

5. A well-designed and functional jug. ($150)

6. This cheese dome is a much-needed update to the cheese platter. ($175)

7. Love the pop of neon in this tray (I have one in my living room). ($220)

8. A cozy blanket for winter nights. ($164)

9. Accent pillow in my favorite pattern. ($155)

10. A cool croquet set that'll make outdoor entertaining that much more exciting. ($248)

11. Minimal planter that lets the greenery be the focal point. ($198)

12. Edgy cuff in the sweetest rose gold. ($215)

13. A brass wall square that can make organizing mail look chic. ($105)

14. A pretty hair piece that transforms a simple up-do. ($172)

Five Things

{Wall inspiration at East Borough restaurant}

The first week of December started out strong with some much-needed snow, quality time with girlfriends.  Sure, we ate a ton of leftovers, but it was also a lovely reminder of how much I have to be thankful for in 2014. Have a great weekend.

{Beautiful rose candies with edible gold}

{Love a good ombré staircase}



{Rain aftermath}



{Ombré roses in a back yard}

Pro Tips: How To Take A Perfect Food Picture

 I'd long admired Matt Armendariz and his food photography on his site, Matt Bites, where you can practically taste the stunning pictures he takes for cookbooks, magazines, and advertisements. With the holidays just around the bend and the deluge of celebratory photos flooding social media, I gathered his pro tips on how to orchestrate the best food photograph.

 

Style matters: "Never underestimate style when it comes to your photos. It's not just as quick and simple as throwing a plate down on the ground and snapping a shot of it overhead. It's careful planning, selection of plates, and tables that can elevate a basic food photo to something with more aspiration. When it comes to food photography, it's all in the details."

 

Use less light: "Don't be afraid of shadows and less light, in fact it can create striking images that you may not be able to see immediately with your eye. Remember, the camera sees things differently and sometimes it's alright to let it do its job. Also, you might need a tripod or another way to secure your smart phone if you go this route."

 

Or, use more light: "Again, sometimes flooding an area with light might be necessary, just be aware that things may be too contrast-y. You'll need to work on your exposure, i.e. the actual camera or your phone’s settings."

 

It takes a village: "Not only do I rely on a team of people to execute the perfect food shoot, but I really appreciate and enjoy the team effort. Food stylists, prop stylists, art directors, it's a collaborative effort that results in a perfect food shot."

 

Use the absolute best and freshest ingredients you can: "Starting with a pristine, fresh subject (herbs, cake, holiday dishes, etc.) gets you that much closer to a perfect food shot. The food hasn't oxidized, wilted, deflated, congealed, changed colors around the edges, and looks like it's just come from the oven and ready to eat. You can get to this step much easier if you use a stand-in or have your camera and set or table completely ready to go while the food is cooking. It's all about being prepared and letting the food be the hero!"

 

*image via

Men's Gift Guide 2014

Here's my annual installment of gift recommendations for that special guy (or guys) in your life. Happy Holidays!

1. Aether Pinnacle Jacket ($445) - I have a thing for urban sportswear. The guys at Aether are the best at merging design with tactical materials to create updated versions of classic outerwear.

2. Denim Wash ($20) - Some guys won't wash their jeans for months, much to the chagrin of their loved ones. If you have a denim devotee who's trying to wear-in their raw, selvedge jeans to perfection, this wash may be in order. Designed to maintain color and denim condition, this enzyme-free wash won't ruin months of dirty dedication.

3. APC Formal Chinos ($235) The name of these pants is kind of an oxymoron. The tailored cut is sleeker than most cotton chinos, while also having a little stretch, to help keep their form.

4. Baxter of California Travel Kit ($50) - Most hotel toiletries are kind of harsh, so treat your man to a little luxury on his next trip.

5. Harry's Shave (various rates) -  Razors are confusingly expensive, especially if you shave regularly. This service, created by guys from Warby Parker, provides high quality blades, creams and balms for a fraction of the price of retail razors. They also tailor their subscription offers based on how often you shave.

6. Guanto Formentera Minimalist Gloves ($80) - In the age of smartphones and tablets, providing access to your fingertips has become a necessity. While there are tech gloves designed for touch screens, don't turn your guy into that nerd. These Italian wool hand warmers are functional and stylish.  

7. Apolis Market Bag ($58) - This bag supports a group of artisans from emerging markets, to provide employment, education and social advocacy.     

1. ROK Espresso Maker ($190) - Home espresso makers have evolved over the years, from smaller versions of professional machines, to simplified single-serving machines (i.e. Nespresso). While I love the simplicity of the single serve machines, I've always found the pre-packaged flavors to be lacking. This streamlined maker uses hand pressure to force the water through the grounds, creating a more authentic espresso pull, while also looking great on your countertop.

2. Crane Grater ($40) - Most kitchen tools are built solely for function, but this copper grater is not only useful, but one of the most beautiful pieces I've seen.

3. Carry On Cocktail Kit ($24) - Unless you're flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, the chances of getting a specialty cocktail during your flight are pretty slim. This small kit provides all the necessary ingredients (except the alcohol) to make a classic old fashioned.

4. OCD Chef Cutting Board ($20) - If you've ever looked at a recipe that calls for a 1/4" diced onion and wanted it to be perfect, this cutting board is for you. Showcasing a precise grid and measurement tools, you'll always have perfectly sized ingredients.

5. Benton's Bacon ($30 for 4 lbs) - I used to think all bacon was pretty much the same, until I tried this speciality version from the hills of Tennessee. They use a slow dry-cure method and hickory smoke to create a flavor that has incredible depth and the right balance of savoriness.  It can be used as the base for soups and dishes that need a little extra flavor, but it's also amazing as a breakfast side. Note, they usually take 10-15 days to ship.   

6. The Innovators ($21) - From the man who brought you the Steve Jobs' biography, this book tracks the history of the digital revolution, showing how 19th visionaries to the the leaders of modern day Silicon Valley, helped shape our modern world. 

1. Ryobi Phone Works ($20 - $130) - These attachable devices turn your smart phone into a variety of specialty tools, including a stud sensor, laser level, inspection scope, infrared thermometer and more. 

2. Go Pro Hero 4 ($400) - The leader in first-person video capturing and action shots, their new camera offers updated controls and functions, to produce cinema quality videos. 

3. Native Union Night Cable ($40) - This simple device provides a solution to a problem many people have experienced, keeping their phones cable on the desk/nightstand. With a longer cord and weighted knot, that can be moved up and down the length of the cord, you'll always know where your charger is located. 

4. Phantom 2 Vision Drone ($1,300) - This is one of the those grown up toys that a lot of guys want, but don't need. However, if the man in your life is looking to start an arial film hobby, or if you want to take your home movies to the next level, this is one of the best drones on the market.

5. Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard ($45) - Connect your phone and tablet into the same keyboard and switch seamlessly between each device while typing. Featuring a built in cradle that will hold multiple devices in landscape or portrait mode, this might be a great solution for people who are looking to ditch their laptop.