Working For The Weekend

Christmas is a marathon not a sprint, folks...and I think it's safe to say said marathon has begun.  I'm using this weekend to write my list and check it twice, start my shopping and drink no less than three cups of hot chocolate.  Preferably by a fire of some kind.  I'm particularly fond of this weeks links so I really hope you enjoy them.  Have the holly-est, jolly-est weekend and I'll see you Monday!

Is it bad that I'm seriously considering doing this?

We may need to have a longer discussion about this later...I'm obsessed.

Proud of your state?  Prove it.

The ultimate party dress.

Noted.

Just...beyond genius!

So sweet...

The least DIY-looking DIY present I've ever seen.

These shoes.  I just.  I can't.

Cool!

Holiday Gift Guide: One for the Kiddos

There's no getting around the fact that kids are fun to shop for.  Their clothes are adorable, their toys are fun and- if they're smart like my nephew, Blake- they make a big deal out anything you give them...which in turn makes you want to buy them more.  For our first gift guide of the season, I picked out a few nifty items I think kids and parents alike will love....it's almost too much cute for one post.  Honestly, my face hurts from smiling.

1. Striped Bunny, Polaryn O. Pyret $22  2. Orange Fox Slippers, AlexandAlexa $17  3. R2D2 Baby Costume, Etsy $48  4. My Food Passport, Uncommon Goods $10  5. Knit Turban, Zara Kids $9.90  6. Chalkboard Laptop, Anthropologie $68  7. Pride and Prejudice BabyLit Book, Amazon $9.99

The Foodie Files

The timing on today's Foodie Files is somewhat unfortunate as I spent all day yesterday in bed with a stomach bug.  Needless to say food is the last thing I want to think about at the moment.  But!  The show must go on.  My Dad whipped up this pork tenderloin over Thanksgiving weekend and man, was it ever a hit.  Since my family is pretty giant this particular recipe had to feed many mouths so you may want to scale it down a bit...or better yet, make the whole thing and enjoy a some leftovers.  You'll be sad when it's gone, believe me.

Ingredients: 

11/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
4 small pork tenderloins
1/2 chicken stock
1/2 cup red wine
1 small package of carrots
1-2 large red onions
3-4 zucchini 

Sauce:
5 TBS of olive oil
5 large garlic cloves
4 large sprigs of thyme
5-6 sprigs of rosemary
3/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 red wine
1 cup cranberries

Wash and towel dry pork, then salt and pepper to taste.  Brown pork on stovetop in a large casserole pan for about 6 minutes on each side, then deglaze pan using chicken stock.  

Add wine and reduce to half.  Wash and cut vegetables into pieces (2 bites each size), then add vegetables to meat and stir until pieces are coated.  Cook in a 350 degree oven for 11/2 hours.

For the sauce, brown garlic in olive oil till golden.  Add cranberries and cook on low for 2-3 minutes.  Add herbs.  Add stock and cook for another 5 minutes, then wine and let simmer 15-20 minutes more.  Salt and pepper to taste.  

Arrange pork and vegetables on a platter and spoon on sauce.  Serve immediately with extra sauce available on table.

Mirror, Mirror

There's so many reasons to love the holidays...you get to give presents, you get to get presents, you get to decorate cookies and have classic movie marathons and wear incredibly cheesy pajamas.  But if you're lucky, you get to dress up (and if you're really lucky, you get to dress up a lot)...for parties and plays and various festivities...it's just the best.  I put together a dressy ensemble that strays a bit from a traditional color palate (Christmas or otherwise).  The little black dress is famous for a reason, but sometimes you've just gotta add a little interest to the mix.  You didn't see that yellow skirt coming, did you?  That's what I love about it.

1. Nightfall Statement Collar, Noir Jewelry  2. Animal Jacquard High Neck Cami, Topshop $56  3. Shannon Wool Crepe Skirt, Jonathan Saunders $735  4. Fur Scarf, Urban Outfitters  5. Blush Heels, Just Fab $39.99  6. Courtney Lady Printed Canvas Clutch, Anya Hindmarch $650

Get It Together: Haute Heirlooms

1. Set of 8 Silver Trimmed Highball glasses, High Street Market $68  2. Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Chandelier, Branca $5,500  3. Heirloom Fringe Velvet Pillow, ABC Carpet & Home $125  4. Belmont Brass Table Lamp, High Street Market $395  5. Vintage Pair of Side Chairs, High Street Market $895  6. Forest Park Gold Table, Shor $825  7. Agate Stacking Boxes, Lillie $95-$140

Design Musings

Working For The Weekend

So...how was your Thanksgiving?  Ours was pretty magical if I don't say so myself.  The food was obviously on point, but it was the lounging and the laughing and the plain 'ol quality time that was my favorite.  There's something special about people you can do absolutely nothing with and still have the best day ever...I'm super thankful to have a big family full of them.  But enough about gratitude (kidding), let's talk Christmas.  Are you venturing out into the madness today?  Any war stories to speak of?  I'm gonna have to live vicariously though you guys on this one cause I can't quite bring myself to face those crowds.  Too scary.  So excited the most wonderful time of the year is here, though!  Enjoy it and I'll see you Monday!

Happy Black Friday!

Man, does this sound good.

Pick your poison...

I love a lot of these.

Everything about this is good and right.

So incredibly cool...

Pretty.  

Crispy Risotto Cheese balls.  Hello!

What a lovely print.

Neat concept.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Be-Grateful-Stuff-Your-Face-And-Hang-Out-With-Your-Family Day!  Seriously, is the premise of this holiday awesome or what?  You can't beat it!  Enjoy every moment and don't waste it with passive gratitude...tell the people you love just why you're thankful for them.  Which reminds me...I'm thankful for you!  Now go eat some turkey and we'll catch up later.  

1. Thanksgiving Card, Etsy $4  2. Give Thanks Quill and Fox Card, Etsy  3. Chalkboard Give Thanks Card, Etsy  4. I Am Thankful Letterpress Mini Cards, Paper Source $7

Mirror, Mirror

We've discussed holiday outfit best practices before, but it's time for a Thanksgiving refresher.  Here are a few simple guidelines I always find helpful on Turkey Day...

1) Wear something nice.  I know you want to be comfortable...I want you to be comfortable, too.  But I also don't want you to cringe every time pictures from the day resurface (because there will be pictures taken and they will resurface).  This is the age of Instagram and Facebook, my friend!  You're gonna be popping up on newsfeeds across the country.  Dress accordingly.

2) Wear something with some give.  Thanksgiving is a marathon eating day, so it goes without saying that you won't want to feel trapped in anything too constricting.  A note to the ladies: I've been uncomfortably full in pants and I've been uncomfortably full in dresses and let me just tell you right now, the dress experience comes out on top every time.  Choose a fabric that's forgiving and you're set.

3) Wear layers.  Your body temperature rises when you eat (true story!) but you'll want a nice, comfy sweater to wrap yourself up in for your post-meal nap.  

Did I leave anything out?  Let me know in the comments section below!

1. Cap Sleeve Flippy Tunic, Topshop $40  2. Chunky Knit Cardigan, Helmut Lang $550  3. Amanda Classic Tote, Tory Burch $495  4. Belle Slippers, Sigerson Morrison $139.99  5. Burgundy Tights, Falke $38  6. Wishbone Studs, Uncovet $19.99

Get It Together: Thanksgiving Feast

1. Reed Zinc Chair, CB2 $149  2. Five Piece Horn and Stainless Flatware Setting, Branca $90  3. Handwoven Orange Salmon Napkin, Flechada $6  4. Industrial Cage Lights, Rewire LA $750  5. Dot Dessert Plate, Jayson Home $40  6. Mosaic Charge, Jayson Home $110  7. Rosaline Drinking Glass, by nord  8. Succulent Rectangle Arrangement, Jayson Home $100  9. Pewter Stoneware, Jayson Home $18  10. Felted Birds on Branches, Anthropologie  11. Braid Dessert Plate, Jayson Home $40  12. Verge Dining Table, ABC Carpet and Home $1599

Design Musings

Working For The Weekend

Reflections on my first week working from my new office are as follows:

-This is surreal.

-I'm exceptionally thankful.

-I know all your secrets, Nashville...I work in a salon now and the gossip flows free!

-It's really cold in here...bring extra layers.

-This week was great.  I bet next week will be even better.

I think this whole deal will really hit me after I roll out my list of styling packages just after Thanksgiving.  It's about to get real, folks.  (Speaking of which, keep said styling packages in mind when you're planning your Christmas shopping!)  As for this weekend, you'll find me hanging out with my BFF Jess who's visiting for Thanksgiving and counting down the hours until my parents get here (gosh, I miss them).  Hope your weekend is perfect...enjoy the links!

Love this idea.

I'm confused about how awesome I think these are...

Very timely.

Yup.  Want these.

A honey tasting, eh?  I'm listening...

This is dangerous.

Just too cool.

Gotta get this and fill it.

What can't she do?!

This is either the best or worst idea ever.

Nicole Marie Salon & Spa Sneak Peek!

I've been in the Nicole Marie zone lately trying to get all our social media in order.  We're moments away from launching the website but I wanted to sneak you guys a few pictures of how things turned out before it goes live.  Our full before and after post won't be up for a few more weeks (you know how finishing touches can drag on) but here's a couple shots of how things look at the moment.  Oh, and follow us on Twitter (@NMSalonSpa), Pinterest, and Facebook if you get a second!

Mirror, Mirror

Does the beautiful house on this landscape print have anyone else counting down the days 'til Downton Abbey season 3 starts?  Just me?  Okay then.  I think I'd love it even if it wasn't reminiscent of my favorite show...just like I'd love this cozy looking sweater even if I wasn't currently freezing and wanting to curl up in it (I haven't quite worked out the temperature situation in my new office).  All I know is come this time of year, you can't beat a good autumn color palate!

1. Landscape Silk Top, Moschino Cheap and Chic $450  2. Leather Skinny Pants, Current/Elliott $900 3. Tweed and Cashmere Jacket, Sonia Rykiel $2,195  4. Pyramid Stretch Bracelet, Hive & Honey $26 5. Fox Head Earrings, Tory Burch $88  6. Bibi Lou Smoking Slippers, Piperlime $130

Get It Together

1. Handpainted Linen Pillow, ABC Carpet & Home $120  2. Turquoise Glass Pendants, 1stdibs $1,000  3. Carey Accent Table, One Kings Lane  4. Coro Glassware, Serena & Lily $48 for 4  5. Loomed Plaid Throw, Anthropologie $398  6. The Clarke Chair, Jayson Home $1,350

Design Musings

Working For The Weekend

Attention, attention: if you don't count the weekend (which, for the purpose of this announcement I'm choosing not to do) we've made it through opening week at the salon!  I mean seriously, how great is that?  And while my office has taken longer than I hoped it would to get together, it should be completely finished by the beginning of next week.  If exploding from excitement was an actual possibility, I'd be living in fear.  We're still waiting on a few key pieces of furniture, but I may need to sneak you guys a few pictures next week.  Sound like a good plan?  Hope your weekend is just too good in every possible way...enjoy the links!

Did I go see the midnight premiere of this last night?  Maybe...(I did and it was incredible)

Gonna put this to good use for sure.

This room!!

How 'bout that Dez Duron?!  I'm gonna need you guys to stay on your voting game this week!

Well this is happening soon.

What a killer DIY...

Nashville!  Get in on this action!

Yes and amen.

The Foodie Files

It's no secret that the first sign of cold weather turns me into a total soup junkie, so Foodie Files tend to be accordingly soup heavy during chillier months.  I eat a lot a lot of soup this time of year, but this particular recipe is in a league all it's own.  Since it's a signature dish of one of our close family friends, I've been enjoying this world famous Italian chicken soup since Jr. High.  I don't know if it's the nostalgia speaking or what, but I'd put money on the fact that it has healing properties.  And even if it doesn't, it's just so good it's outrageous.  Thanks DiFerdinand family for letting me share!

1 chicken, whole

6 cups of water
6 bullion cubes

2 carrots
2 onions
3 celery stalks with leaves intact
2 sticks of cinnamon
1 cup of rice
1 cup chopped spinach

2 cups of flour

2 cups water
4 eggs

salt to taste

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

In a large pot, put water, onion, celery, carrots, cinnamon and bullion cubes.  Cook together until the chicken registers around 170 degrees, all the while skimming the surface of (for lack of a better word) gunk.

Remove the chicken and allow it to cool down (cover with paper towel or wrap to keep surface from drying).  Remove and discard vegetables but leave the cinnamon in the broth.  Cut the fully cooked chicken to desired sized pieces.

To make the escapells, put flour, one cup of water and eggs into your mixer.  As it mixes,  add the second cup of water.  It may not need all of the second cup, so stop when it reaches the consistency of pancake batter.  Mix till smooth. 

Lightly coat a heavy frying pan in extra virgin olive oil and heat over a medium flame.  Pour batter into pan and let it run as you hold the pan at a 45 degree slant.  

Once cooked, remove each crepe and set aside on paper towels.  As they cool you can stack them.  Cover until you're ready to assemble the soup.

Cook the rice separately, then steam your chopped spinach.  Add salt to the broth to taste, then add rice and spinach to the broth.  Cut crepes in half and stack together.  Slice into strips, then cut cross ways.

Add escapells to soup, top with cheese and enjoy!

Mirror, Mirror

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I can't get enough of the monochromatic look this season!  While head to toe red is tricky to pull off, it can most certainly be done (and is, in fact, encouraged).  I payed particular attention to balance in this getup, letting the bulky sweater play off the tight skirt and the neutral accessories compliment the bold color.  Provided I can find similar pieces, I'll most definitely be rocking a look like this in my new office soon (the salon is open for business, by the way!  And I should be fully up and running by the beginning of next week...so excited!).  

1. Cable Knit Sweater, Isabel Marant $655  2. Red Square Stud Earrings, Wallis US $5  3. Metal Corner Envelope Clutch, ASOS $31.66  4. Slim Double Wrap Watch, Michael Kors $160  5. Stretch Leather Pencil Skirt, Joseph $795  6. Pigalle Pumps, Christian Louboutin $595

Get It Together: Outrageous & Fun

1. Cotton Blanket, One Kings Lane  2. Almsted Rug, Ikea $249  3. Antler Candlestick, Dwell £89  4. Tetra Light Fixture, Joss & Main  5. Alyson Fox Triangles Pillow Cover, West Elm $34  6. Lilac Velvet Round Pillow, Etsy $34  7. Ombre Couch, Atelier Biagetti

Design Musings

Working For The Weekend

Oh my word, I am just a mess this week.  I'm a little stressed, a lot sick (I only vaguely remember what breathing through my nose felt like) and all kinds of behind schedule in regards to our editorial calendar.  I'm not a happy camper to say the least.  I am, however, thrilled about the progress we've made on the shop!  Getting to see all our hard work come together has been amazing.  I'm not sure exactly what my new normal is going to look like but I know I'm pumped for it to get here.  Other things I'm pumped about: this weekend's links, the Sudafed I just took and posting regularly next week.  Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you Monday!

P.S. To those of you still feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy; I'm praying for peace, comfort and provision.  Crazy times like these really put life into perspective.

Not sure if this is even possible, but I'll give it a go...

Schmidt is funny in real life!  I love that!

Laughed about this many, many times (the cat is okay, no worries)

Anyone feel like taking me to this!?

Some celebrities are so weird...

There's something sweet about this.

Gosh, I love her style.

Salted caramel pears?  Why am I just finding out about you now?

Not sure whether you're registered to vote?  What ID you'll need?  Where your polling place is located?  Check this out (and go vote!)

Get It Together: Better Late Than Never

1. Octogonal Mirror, Dwell Studio $675  2. Spider Desk Lamp, Terrain $108  3. Amana Brass Candlesticks, Serena & Lily $32-$38  4. Gold Feather Pillow, Jayson Home $450  5. Drawing Study Chair, Anthropologie $980  6. Gold Wishbone, Jayson Home $48