Cupcakes and Cashmere

Sweet November

November 16th, 2009

 

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H&M Sweater, Jenny Yuen Bag, Wren Skirt, J.Crew Thigh-Highs, Steve Madden Booties

I’ve been known to complain about the consistently perfect L.A. weather, but when you can walk along the beach in mid-November, it’s hard to stay resentful.  I picked up this sweater last week at H&M and its breathable knit is ideal for crisp, California mornings.   Pants seemed too constricting, but since it was a bit too chilly for bare legs, I opted for a pair of thigh-high socks that kept me warm and actually stayed in place as I ran around Santa Monica.

 

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Blanket Behavior

November 13th, 2009

 

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Pixie Market Shawl, Anthropologie Slip, MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick, Zac Posen Tights, Nasty Gal Vintage Booties

The next best thing to staying in bed is wearing a plush shawl that easily passes for a blanket.  I found this faux pony hair poncho at Pixie Market a few summers ago and despite the oppressive heat at the time, I knew it would become a staple during cooler months.   It’s a great alternative to a cardigan and with a swipe of red lipstick, I can be out the door in minutes with a look that’s equally cozy as it is chic.

 

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Nesting

November 12th, 2009

It seems as though it gets dark these days right around lunchtime and I have an insatiable desire to stay home and nest.  My weekend mornings are spent curled up in bed with bottomless cups of coffee and piles of magazines while my nights are filled with movies and candy.

 

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{Movies and candy}

 

 

 

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{Cashmere throw and a magazine}

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{Big mug of coffee}

 

 

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{Ugg boots in the early morning}

What comforts you in the fall?

Pumpkin-Seed Brittle

November 11th, 2009

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During the fall, my diet primarily revolves around pumpkins, butternut squash, cranberries and turkey.  I love adhering to seasonal flavors and all of the traditions that go along with them.  One of my favorite things to do is roast pumpkin seeds and as soon as I saw Martha Stewart’s brittle recipe here, I knew I had to give it a try.  Here are a couple of things I learned during the process (besides the fact that I’ll be making this throughout the entire holiday season):

 

1. It’s not as “kid friendly” as Martha claims.  I nearly lost my right hand while pouring the scalding liquid onto the baking sheet.
2. I used to justify eating brittle since it’s packed full of protein (well, sorta).   I now realize that the amount of butter and sugar cancels out any potential health benefit.
3. I’m a fan of any dessert that requires excessive banging and/or the use of a mallet.

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