Delicious & Low-Fat Dessert : Strawberries & Cream

I always need to have a little something sweet after dinner (or after most meals for that matter). I'm a big advocate for testing out different recipes and becoming creative with the process. It's fun to play around with flavors and see what you can come up with, while still striving for a healthy, delicious idea. Tonight I created this little treat-- a sweet cheese & strawberry dessert--and I love it! This is a great substitute for ice cream, cheesecake, or parfaits.  There is a lot less fat than all of those other choices & it includes fresh fruit. Try it out! Takes less than 5 minutes to make & you only need a small portion to feel very satisfied!

What you need: 

Part-skim Ricotta (or cottage cheese if you prefer), Honey, Vanilla Extract, Strawberries, Balsamic Vinegar (optional) 

What to do: 

-In a small glass or bowl, whip together a few spoonfuls of ricotta with about teaspoon of vanilla and a long, drizzle of honey. I also put a splash of balsamic vinegar in here since it's one of my fav ingredients with strawberries, but this is optional. Garnish with another drizzle of honey and a strawberry.

-If you prefer the treat to be more like ice-cream, place in the freezer for about 15 mins. Otherwise, you're all done! I enjoy dipping the strawberries in the cream, but you can also cut them up & mix into cream for more of a parfait-feel.

C'est tout! Enjoy :)

Bellissima Kids

I've been presented with an excellent opportunity to work with the very successful & unique blog, Bellissima Kids, curated and run by Jeanne Omlor. This blog is a high-class look at kid-friendly ideas including travel, cultural stories, hot new fashion finds, cool-hunting, design, decor and craft projects, recipes, book reviews, etc. I'll be working with Jeanne on the blog, the social media campaigns, and PR associated with the business. It's a great blog and I'm very excited to begin my relationship with this brand.

Check it out at www.bellissimakids.com 

Visit & like the Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/Bellissima-Kids. 

Also keep an eye out for the Bellissima Kids Instagram -- coming soon ;)

Grace Coddington Memoir

Ever since I first watched The September Issue on a late-night plane to Italy over three years ago, I've formed a large fondness for Grace Coddington. Not only is she the visionary behind Vogue's incredible and dedacant fashion spreads and photo shoots, but she also has that cool, je ne sais quoi appeal to her that just screams lovable chic. She has to put up with all of Anna Wintour's antics and definitely appears to be under-appreciated by the "devil in prada".

 I've been waiting three years for more of Grace and another glimpse into the world of Vogue...  

So, I am so very excited for Grace's highly-anticipated memoir-- a super inside look at the very elusive Vogue, the creative process behind the shoots and photo spreads, the front row and backstage of all of the top fashion shows, and of course, Grace's exciting past (she was a model in London in the '60s). The only bad news is that I won't be able to read her book on the beach this summer... it'll be released this fall by Random House.

Part of Grace's latest work with Kate Moss in the April 2012 issue of Vogue.

  

Carla Bruni, une musicienne encore!

Carla Bruni, the former-model, style icon, singer, and first lady of France, will soon be giving up the latter title due to her husband's loss during the French election. Mrs. Sarkozy is the epitome of a chic independent woman, however due to her premiere dame duties, she hasn't recorded or released any new music in the past 4 years. So, I am very much looking for to the new Socialist president taking over France if only for the reason that Carla Bruni will now be recording a new album. Her single Quelqu'un Qui M'a Dit is one of my absolute favorite songs and always brings out a positive feeling within me, even if it may be a bittersweet memory at that. I cannot wait to hear her new music as I am a major sucker for those french singalong love songs.

Coco Chanel, Philosopher

Many labels have been given to the legendary Ms. Coco Chanel, but the most recent title that has come to my attention is that of a philosopher. The novel The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by Karen Karbo looks into the ideology of Chanel and her unique outlook on life. This is a very new kind of book-- it's not a biography, but rather explores Chanel's philosophies and perspective on various stages and situations in life.
 Elegant and opinionated, Chanel had a lot of positive and rational approaches to succeed in life, and moreover, personal fulfillment. There is a lot to be learned and taken away from her "life lessons" and Karbo does an excellent job in conveying the voice of Chanel, and also happens to be quite humorous. This is a great book to pick up when you want a little inspiration.

"How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone."
-C.C on Self-Invention

Karolina Kurkova

High fashion and luxurious glamour come out every year at the Met Gala. There were a lot of stand-outs and a few hideous disappointments, but the lasting image of the night, in my mind, is 100% Karolina Kurkova killllllling it in Rachel Zoe. The most glamorous. The most luxurious. She completely pulls off this hard-to-pull-off look. 

 

futuristic, exotic, lush

Easy & Delicious - Meal of the Week

I'm a huge advocate of spending that little extra time to cook dinner - and a little goes a very long way. There's no need to opt for frozen dinners or boring pasta w tomato sauce when you can make a delicious, healthy and yummy dinner. All you need is 30 to 40 minutes and you have a plethora of options at your fingertips. It's totally worth it, and it's fun to create something tasty. One of my go-to dinners when im in the mood for something hearty, but not super-heavy is Pommes de Terres Provencals. I first had this dish at the weekend market when I visited Iles-sur-la-Sourge.

It was a cold-to-the-bone day & it was one of my first weeks in France. I was in major need of some comfort food, and this completey hit the spot.. maybe that's why I have such a fond association with this dish. It was the best meal I could have had at that moment-- hot, steaming roasted potatoes with satueed onions, tomatoes and herbs de provence. So simple, yet perfect. 

It only takes about 40 mins from start to finish, so it's very do-able (plus, it makes great leftovers!) Sometimes I add other veggies or fresh mozarella to mix it up a bit. Tonight I added carrots, which I think gives it a little more sweetness and heartiness.

Ingredients: small potatoes, onion, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, olive oil, and herbs de provence.  

What to do: Boil potatoes (takes about 15-20 mins). While waiting for you potatoes to boil, you can do all your prep work. Cut up onions, carrots and tomatoes.

Satuee the onions & carrots with some olive oil in a pan and add some thinly-sliced garlic. Satuee for about 10-15 mins. Check on the potatoes - once you can easily stick a fork into them, drain and cut them into quarters (you may want to let them cool for a few mins).

Put the cut-up potatoes in the pan with the other ingredients (see above).  After about 5 mins, add the tomatoes. Satuee everything together until the potatoes have a nice golden crisp (about 10 mins).

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Et Volia! Very easy & very delicious. 

Santino - 2006

I finally got internet in my new apartment! It was a nice little break from the online world, but im thrilled to be back. After getting bored of reading and setting up/organizing all my stuff, I rummaged around the apartment and discovered my roommate had a DVD of Project Runway Season 2. Being a huge "old-school" Project Runway fan (pretty much stopped watching after the 3rd season), I was ecstatic at this discovery. Haven't seen these episodes since it aired back in 2006. My number one revelation from rewatching the Finale --- Santino.

He way ahead of his time & hands-down should have won. His style was so extremely fashion-forward that not even Michael Kors or Nina Garcia acknowledged it. It's unbelievable watching the show 6 years later and seeing how fresh and spot-on Santino's final collection is to the recurring trends of today (and the past few years). I want every single piece of his collection. Chloe, the winner, used a gaudy, thick silk fabric for most of her pieces, which gave off a major costume vibe. Of course everything was sewn impeccably, but the style was appalling. At one point in the season, Santino designed a fitted, chic jumpsuit and was placed in the bottom. Michael Kors thought it looked out-dated and said "who would ever wear a jumpsuit again." Of course, jumpsuits have made a huge comeback and are even bigger now than they have ever been. But, I guess Santino was just a few years too early..

I'm curious to see what he is designing now. I think he's very underrated and definitely has a specific genius to him, and a keen eye for styling, that is worth looking further into. Here's my fav piece from his collection - who wouldn't want to wear that elegant dress?

Cafe D'Alsace

I've spent the past week moving into my new apartment and exploring the neighborhood. I absolutely love it here, and the best perk of all is that im only a few blocks away from one of my favorite spots of all - Cafe D'Alsace. I first went here during Restuarant Week over the summer, and it immediately became one of my fav places. In my mind, it's the perfect place. A comfortable, french bistro atmosphere - authentic, not trendy - with excellent, flavorful food. Plus a great selection of wine and beer. I've already been here twice in the past week. Can't wait to become a regular here..

 Roasted duck with seasonal veggies and potatoes & a pinot-noir soaked pear.

Dior - Paris Couture Spring 2012

I'm not a huge fan of following all the Couture shows during Paris fashion week, definitely much more of a ready-to-wear girl, but of course these shows are more a display of art than anything else. Chanel was a bit of a let down, as well as Versace. Nothing very exciting or remarkable. So far the only couture show I really loved is Christain Dior. However, not a big surprise since I always J'adore Dior. Great silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, solid colors, and very "wearable" couture... which is probably why I like it so much.

Grady's Cold Brew Iced Coffee

This may become a new staple in my fridge. Grady's has introduced a "New Orleans-Style Chicory Cold Brew Coffee" being sold in 32 ounce glass bottles, in concentrate form. Brewed and bottled by hand in Brooklyn, this coffee concentrate is very potent. Pour only 4 ounces into a glass, then add 4 ounces of water or milk. Iced coffee at home!

I am going to buy a bottle and try it out next week. There's nothing I enjoy more than a strong, dark coffee with a nutty, smooth base. This could turn into a huge new trend for me, especially during the winter months: I can enjoy iced coffee in the comfort (and warmth) of my home. Best of all, it's only $15 for one of these bottles, so you'll get about 8 servings out of there for under $2 each.

Go to gradyscoldbrew.com to order one for yourself!

Free People Sample Sale

Very excited for this! Love Free People & love Prive Sample Sales. I always discover some great finds from Prive's events-- an awesome, oversized  Edun tank that I wore all summer long & a classic James Perse shirt that raised money to help the victims of the earthquake in Japan.
Hoping they'll have lots of dresses! I already have spring fever (and in the mean time I can wear with tights & a sweater).

*p.s. it's this weekend-- ad is from last years event, this year was by invitation only. 

Golden Globe Favorites

                                                                        

When it comes to award shows, I generally watch all of the pre-show and then get through 3 speeches before turning it off. The pre-show has all the excitement and, of course, all the fashion. There were some beautiful, fresh looks this year - Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace, Charlize Theron in Dior, and Claire Danes in J. Mendel. All very simple & elegant dresses, with a unique design to give them that original feel. Major trends of the night: two-toned, fishtails, & nude.

 

Delicious Homemade Dressing

Why buy an expensive, mediocre balsamic dressing when you can make a much tastier one yourself! After stealing this recipe from my mom, I cannot go back to store-made dressings. Ever. This dressing is so delicious & addictive. Put it over some big-leaf, dark lettuce with a shake of sea salt on top, et volia! Prep time is under 5 mins (and you can make a big batch & store it in your fridge). All you need are these 4 key ingredients:

-A jar of real dijon mustard (without mustard seeds). I recommend Edmond Fallot, but any authentic one will work.
-Agave Nectar
-Balsamic Vinegar
-Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Scoop 2 tablespoons of the mustard in a small bowl. Quickly mix the mustard with a fork for about 15 seconds (this is to get rid of any small lumps). Next, squeeze enough agave nectar into the bowl so that it just covers the mustard (it'll be approx 1 tablespoon). Now add about 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of olive oil (i always eye it out, you may add more to taste). Mix together well. Last step, which is a secret trick from France, add a splash of cold water and mix together again. This will keep the dressing from separating. Serves 3 to 4 people.

enjoy!

Always have faith in Joe Zee!

When one hears the name Nicole Miller, the typical reaction tends to be: Prom ...and not exactly a brand one plans to wear again. So, when I began to watch the most recent episode of All on the Line (my new favorite show), I was very apprehensive of Nicole Miller's new approach: Ready-to-Wear. I kept envisioning modified versions of bright, electric gowns fit for a teenager. Wow, was I blown away.

Seems like a large part of the collection's success was Joe Zee's vision to "remix" the line and bring back some of Nicole Miller's vintage looks from the 80s and 90s. I love the collection. Great mix of bright prints and solid, loose tops. Even though some pieces are inspired by her vintage designs, it all feels so fresh. These are my 3 fav looks from the show-- dying to get my hands on them. Looking forward to her Fall 2012 collection in a few weeks!

Castellina in Chianti, Italy

My mother naturally blends into the unbelievably beautiful streets in the small village of Casetllina in Chianti. She has been a large source of inspiration to me throughout my whole life. Her effortless style and flavorful cooking have lead to my passion and appreciation for, what I believe to be, the most important aspects of life - food & fashion.


This is the proper way to begin my blog- "une petite pose"- or a little break from everyday. Meant to indulge, inspire, and provide that daily fix...all associated with food, fashion or just purely aesthetic parts of culture & life. enjoy!


-k