I've got my eye on...

Hi everyone! We're back in beautiful, sunny Southern CA! I am loving it - especially the perfect weather!  I've been keeping a list of pretty little things that have caught my eye lately. I think everyone should have a list of things that have caught their eye or inspired them recently, and here are mine. Enjoy!

Isn't this adorable? I can see myself owning these and having some good friends over for afternoon tea!

*via*

Definitely got my eye on this outfit from Shopbop. 

Pairing white pumps with a more winterized look is intriguing to me.

Will have to try this one out for myself!

These bright beauties could pack a punch to any neutral-hued outfit! 

Perfect for the Spring & Summer! 

*via*

Not sure where I found this image... so sorry!

I wanted to include it in this post because it made me so happy.

Seeing a bright pink accent wall in your house on a chilly, gloomy day

would be such a pick-me-up!

Memoire Liquide.

{via}

I love fragrance. I love finding new and unique scents that are off the beaten path, or ones that take a bit of searching to locate. (Hello, Nanadebary!) However, the process to finding these scents can be anything but pleasant. I find most people who sell perfumes to be a bit pushy... err, make that very pushy. (exception: the people at Barney's and Henri Bendel) I mean...Did anyone see the Modern Family episode a few weeks ago when Phil chased the man all over the store, spraying him with perfume? That's what I feel like a lot of the time, which is no fun!  Going into stores to find a fragrance should be a fun experience, with a few surprises along the way. 


During the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, my husband and I were shopping in L.A. when we ran into (literally) the perfume lady at Bloomingdales. She immediately went into dialogue about a new perfume they had gotten in called Mémoire Liquide. Without smelling it at all, I was mesmerized by the story of how it began. I was practically sold on the stuff before even smelling it! The story the seemingly pushy perfume lady told me was this: In 1984, two sisters began to explore their lifelong obsession with fragrance by creating custom perfumes for their clients. The intertwining nature of a scent and memory and the irrefutable power of this connection is the basis of the concept that has evolved into Mémoire Liquide Bespoke Perfumery. The exploration of the various scents trigger potent memories, stories are told, tears are shed, secrets are shared- and in the course of creating a simple scent, memories are made.


What a story! SWOON! This statement from Beauty Habit describes the perfumes the best..."The stage is set- any person intrigued by fragrance will be immediately seduced by the enticing visual theatricality and then by the extraordinary olfactory experience."

This is the scent I have - Amour. 

It's my new obsession! I adore this!

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This is my new favorite, but I also still love (and constantly wear) this, this, this, and this. What are your favorite perfumes? I would love to know! Thanks for reading!! xx

Just call me Betty Crocker.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I know everyone has been saying it, but I cannot believe the holidays are over and that it's already 2011!! The past year held a lot of surprises for me. It started with me getting engaged (surprise!)...then a couple months later my fiance got hurt pretty badly, then he recovered in early fall (thank goodness), and then I got married to the most wonderful, funny, driven, and handsome man I've ever met! All in all, it was a good year that was blessed with many amazing moments, surrounded by so many amazing people! I feel so blessed, and I hope each and every one of you had a great holiday season! Over the holidays, I spent a lot of time with my family and friends, ate a lot, and did a lot of cooking. I wanted to share several things I made over the holiday season (and even up until last night) with you guys. Hope you enjoy the recipes, and once again... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

{homemade chocolate marshmellow swirl ice cream}

*recipe below

{apple cheddar scones from Smitten Kitchen}

AH-MA-ZING.

{pumpkin chocolate chip bars from Martha}

Perfection.

{creamy,decadant mac n cheese - via}

{peanut butter fudge, recipe and picture from here}

*Chocolate Marshmellow Swirl Ice Cream

1 cup whole milk (I used 1% milk)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

8 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate (your favorite),  broken into 1/2 inch pieces

2 cups heavy cream, well chilled

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Heat milk until just bubbling around edges. (This may be done on the stove top or microwave) In a blender or food processor fitted with metal blade, pulse to process the sugar with the chocolate until chocolate is very finely chopped. Add the hot milk, process until well blended and smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl & let mixture cool completely. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla to taste. Chill for 30 mins. Pour into ice cream freezer and freeze according to machine directions.

 After freezing in the ice cream machine, layer ice cream with dollops of your fave chocolate sauce and scoops of marshmellow fluff. Freeze at least 2 hours before serving.
 
After all that, GUESS WHO is hitting the gym for their New Year's resolution? ;)