Scenes From The Weekend

 {used 5 different hues on my mani this weekend then the hubs made it over the top beautiful w/a nail polish pen}

It's the weekends that are not planned ahead of time that are usually the best. This was one of those. Here's a peek into what went down...

 {had an impromptu brunch at my apt with my sisters on Saturday}

 {went to an art show/t-shirt line launch - btw, if I knew how to ride a skateboard this one would be mine}

 {had to pose with an Element Tree sticker we spotted on a Starbucks run}

{enjoyed a delicious lunch with my family on Sunday}

Eye Candy of The Week

{loving the natural elements of these Chanel bangles}

Cheers to the weekend!  Hope you have a great one.  Here some images that grabbed my attention this week...

 {very Annie Hall with a touch of metallic}

 {this spring and summer it's all about the loud pant}

 {love this outfit.  very delicate, yet very sexy}

{I finally figured out the dutch braid!  this would be the perfect beach ensemble}

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Video: Sock Bun Tutorial

filmed and edited by Christian Santiago

The first time I tried the "sock bun" I could not believe how easy it was.  This being said I had to share it with you.  When slicking your hair back in a high tight pony it can make for a dramatic evening look.  For a more casual day look just make a loose ponytail and spray any fly-aways.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask ; )

Asparagus Gruyere Tart

I love recipes like these.  Ones that result in an impressive and eye catching dish that utilizes very few ingredients and takes mere minutes to prepare.  Your guests will think you slaved over a hot stove for hours after one bite of this delicious asparagus Gruyere tart.

I'm Only Happy When It Rains...

jeans, tee - F21, belt, jacket - Express, DIY denim vest - vintage, wellies - ebay, necklace - Fred Flare

...Well not really, but it was the first blog post title that came to mind when I was editing my outfit pics.  It was raining for the past couple of days.  If it means my allergies will subside, I welcome the rain with open arms.  Nothing seems more appropriate in this weather than a comfy tee and fun pair of wellies to keep your feet nice and dry.  I cringe at the thought of wet socks.  Yuck! 

Scenes From The Weekend

{kicked off the weekend by enjoying the best store bought gelato ever!}

 Had a pretty great weekend. Enjoyed a surprisingly sunny Saturday with a trip to an estate sale by my house. You know how I love those! The house just so happened to belong to a man that used to teach dance at the elementary school I attended. So random. Anyway, here's a peak into some other things that went on this weekend...

{enjoyed some appetizers and margaritas al fresco with my sister-in-law}

{$5 for 2 pairs of vintage sunnies and a lighter - SCORE!}

 {made 1st Birthday cake pops}

{was immediately taken back to grade school by the scent of a freshly open box of crayons}

Eye Candy of The Week

{Obsessed with Edie Sedgwick's style. So obvious why she was Andy Warhol's muse}

So happy that the weekend has finally arrived! Being that its supposed to rain all weekend I don't have actual plans except for giving my home some much needed TLC and possibly cooking up some yummy comfort food. This week's Eye Candy of The Week was inspired by my love for all thing 60s. I am obsessed with the hair, make up and style that defined that era. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

{The hair, nails, dress, jewelry, makeup - everything about Cher's look here is perfection}

{Oh, Audrey, you really can do no wrong. This glittery mod eye is perfect for a night out}

{Sharon Tate was absolutely gorgeous. Strong brows truly help define the face.}

{Brigitte Bardot is the definition of sexy hair. This image has me teasing my hair lately}

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Current Beauty Go - To's

My make up and beauty routine changes pretty frequently. It's the easiest way to keep your look fresh and new. Here are my current beauty go to's...

As you may already know I am a HUGE fan of nail art as seen here, here, and here, but sometimes I have to revert back to the classics - long almond shaped nails with nude polish - namely Brooch The Subject by Essie

I recently updated my morning skincare regimen - Liquid Neutrogena cleanser applied with a Buf Puf followed by Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Radiance Cream. I'm super pleased with the results.

I can't even explain how OBSESSED I am with Revlon's lip products. The color pay off on the lipsticks is always great, the lip butters are super moisturizing and come in amazing colors, and the gloss is not sticky AT ALL. I love wearing the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters topped with a layer of Revlon Colorburst gloss. Pictured are Creamsicle and Sweet Tart lip butters as well as Sunset Peach and Crystal Lilac gloss.

If and when I have time, my work week make up routine is Concealer, mascara, Sincere blush by Mac and a dab of Roseubud Salve on my lips. That's it!

An evening out with the hubs calls for a quick olive smokey eye. The Revlon Colorstay eye liner glides on smoothly. I apply it to my top and bottom lids then smudge with Mac's Sumptuous Olive eye shadow. A few layers of mascara and I'm done.

What are your favorite beauty products lately?

Pear, Oat, Peanut Butter Smoothies

Chris and I have been on a smoothie kick lately.  Those of you that follow me on Twitter may notice my new found obsession with pear, oat, peanut butter smoothies.  They are super healthy and refreshing.  The raw oats give them an almost chewy texture.  Kind of like a liquid oatmeal cookie.  I made some tweaks to the original recipe.  Check out my version...

2 1/2 medium to large pears, such as red Anjou, peeled, seeded, and chopped (2 2/3 cups)
1 3/4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 cup 1% milk
2/3 cup rolled or quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup ice cubes
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
Coarse salt to taste

Directions
1.Freeze pears in a single layer on a baking sheet overnight.
2.Combine pears, milk, almond milk, oats, ice, honey, peanut butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a blender. Blend on low speed, then gradually increase speed to high. Blend until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour into chilled glasses, and garnish with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Fit To Be Tied

blouse - F21, pants - Old Navy, shoes - Payless, watch - Fossil, accessories - assorted stores

I love polka dots and blouses that tie at the neck. It goes without saying that when I spotted (no pun intended) this shirt at Forever 21, I had to grab it up.  To add a pop of color I wore my hunter green cords and yellow patent pumps. 

Scenes From The Weekend

{started off the weekend with some Pink Moscato}

I'm back! Just needed to take a little personal time away from blogging.

Anyhow, I'd like to refer to this past weekend as "foodie weekend". I was surrounded by delicious food and wonderful company. Here are a few shots of the festivities....

 {enjoyed an early morning breakfast at the Rutherford Pancake House with Chris}

 {celebrated my brother-in-law, Ben's bday at the AMAZING 5 Napkin Burger}

 {made a mixed green, tomato, avocado, and feta salad, with lemon vinagrette}

{helped make Sunday lunch at my mom's house}

Peeps Cake Pops

Some of you may not know, but I have a small side business called Duchess Delights.  Cake pops are my specialty.  Just wanted to share this year's Easter cake pop.  Classic Peeps were the star of the show.  I thought the idea of a chick coming out of an egg was super cute.  You may remember last year's Easter Egg pops.  Are you baking anything for Easter or Passover?

Mix it Up

jeans, top, kimono, earrings, right hand bracelets - F21, watch - Fossil, bangles - local India shop, shoes - DIY as seen here

Yesterday was a bit gloomy so I figured it was the perfect occasion to do some print mixing.  A classic stripe with the addition of a floral print helped brighten an otherwise gray day.  On another note I am beyond thrilled by the fact that this will be a short work week.  Happy Monday!