recipe : vegetarian pho with grilled shrimp

My parents have always been foodies. I guess I got the gastronomic gene somehow and now absolutely love anything to do with fine food and spirits. Since everyone in the family shares this characteristic, we have drafted a food bucket list. When I say food bucket list, I don't just mean we eat whatever we have listed. I'm talking about going through the entire process of making it, understanding drink pairings, learning a bit about the dish's history, changes to the dish to fit our palate. It's a long, but rewarding process.

With that said, I crossed pho off the list on new years eve. It's actually a very party-friendly dish. People had lots of fun adding their own garnishes and decorating their bowl. I always make extra of food that I plan on blogging/sharing with you. This, however, ran out. I made almost double the amount of food, so people could take some home with them. Nope, nothing was left. It was that good.

A few other things on the food bucket list with the family are: [homegrown] ratatouille, homemade ravioli stuffed with something unique, foccacia bread, souffle, coq au vin, semi freddo, the list is too long to include. One day, in the near [or far?] future, when I'm finally settled down, I want to have my own cooking bucket list. I'll share it with you!

* * *

Click on the image to enlarge the recipe.

Print on a 3 x 5 index card setting and store with the rest of your recipes!

design : estate of grace

{via}

* * *

Did you die a little? That's Tory Burch's house in Southampton. Now you know where her inspiration comes from. She is completely surrounded by it! I mean look at the outdoor seating area. I think my favorite is the Valentino dress she's wearing.

vogue : flower power

via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6}

So it took me a bit to get into the floral craze. I loved it on the web and in print, but the second it was on me, I was having major doubts. It's a classic, rich print. Who wouldn't love it? So, I'm going to "man-up" and try to strut the concrete catwalk with some floral wear this weekend.

Here's a few of my favorite floral picks!

{♥} {1} {2} {3} {4} {oops!} {6} {7} {8} {9} {10} {11}

I guess I forgot a number 5. More room for more inspiration, I guess!

{weekend note}

{via}

♫♪ New York, New York by Frank Sinatra

The end of a very successful week is here. Not sure if you're at all OCD like me, but I'll share this regardless. I made a list of everything I had to get done (at work, with the blog, at home). I'm talking about every. single. thing. I managed to complete it all with enough wiggle room to relax, read and watch some of my favorite shows. I know every week can't be like this, but I'm sure going to aim for them. We'll see how that goes.

This weekend, I'm going to loosen up and soak up the moment. I haven't done that in a while. A night out in town, dinner accompanied by bottles of wine, and maybe a lavender bubble bath. For now, however, I'm just catching up on the last three days' New York Times and enjoying many cups of French press.

What do you have in mind for this weekend? For added inspiration some lovely links!

Took me back to Barcelona.

The sweetest watercolor illustrations.

Precious office supplies.

Pretty, pretty cupcake!

Cannot wait for 8 March!

Absolutely love this idea.

* * *
Snippets of my cousin's big, fat, Indian wedding.

Impress your man with these beer tasting tips!

Peek inside my sketchbook.

Craving some Mexican food?

one dress, three ways, three different occasions.

* * *
Some of you emailed me about sharing some of my favorite New York Times articles for the week. It's seriously the one thing I read cover-to-cover on an almost daily basis. I thought, it was a great idea, so here they are.

The Last Supper with a brave, extraordinary journalist.

Kristoff in Sudan: Dodging Bombers in Sudan.

Simons leaving Jil Sanders.

A forbidden treat.

The perfect chocolate garnish {a video}.


{PS} The audio player was giving me such a hard time, so I've vetoed that idea and decided to go with a spotify link to the song. If you have suggestions about players, email me!

bit of life : insta-wedding-grams

You can find me on instagram here!

I can't even explain to you how much fun I had last weekend at my cousin's wedding. I know most people dread getting together with aunts and uncle and other [deemed pesky] family members, but I always have a great time with mine. My cousin [from Illinois] got married to a young, beautiful woman [from Lakeland, FL]. We knew people on both sides of the family, which made the event even more entertaining! I think the best part was seeing all my nieces and nephews, or the cupcake tower, or the dressing up, I'm not sure... 

After the wedding a few of my aunts and uncles stayed behind for a few days to spend some time together. We have a tradition to go out for a big dinner and do/experience something unique. Last time, we all went out to a Lebanese Restaurant and learned belly dancing! This time, the day before Valentine's Day, the men of the family gave roses to their loving wives/aunts/sisters. It was too cheesy cute.

Now my family members have started pestering me about my wedding plans and future decisions. This is just so we can get together again. The folks just want to party again.

five essentials : beer tasting

After my post on wine purchasing a few weeks ago, my dad was surprised I failed to add anything about beer. Not sure about you, but I love a nice, cold beer at the end of the day sometimes. I just didn't add anything on the blog because, well, it's not so glamorous. This blog is very me otherwise, so why not share? 

I remember my I hate beer phase quite vividly. I had the hardest time drinking beer in college. I literally gagged in public, granted it was cheap beer, but could not keep it down. I started developing a palate for beer during my junior year, as I attempted to impress a guy. It worked! I impressed the guy, but most importantly, started forming a taste for the drink. I soon was enjoying various kinds and types that senior year, I completed a boot of beer at our local German pub! [My dad was proud, of course.]

I thought I would take the opportunity to share five of my favorite beer tasting tips that I've picked up in the last few years. Now I'm not a connoisseur, so if you have any of your own, please share!

{tip one}

If you're going to be drinking or serving multiple types of beers, serve the mild, sweet kind first then gradually move onto the darker, bitter beer. You don't want to over stimulate your taste buds and ruin the flavors of the lighter beers.

{tip two}

If you're hosting a beer tasting, or having beer as the primary drink, don't serve it with greasy food. The grease alters the flavors of some of the lighter to medium ales. For a palate cleanser, stick to lightly salted things like pretzels!

{tip three}

When drinking high quality beer, don't freeze your beer mugs. The colder the beer the less aromatic it is. Lagers should be served cooler than ales. 

{tips four}

Drink in the appropriate glassware. I can't stress this enough. Sure, we don't have all the appropriate glassware at home, but take notice of the taste and feel when you're drinking a particular beer in different kinds of glasses. It's like champagne in plastic cups. It loses its carbonation in minutes, but serve it in a flute and it's perfect. Area, depth and shape are three key elements to glassware. You can find a list of beer and glass pairings here.

{tip five}

Ladies, this one is for you. I've tried so much to out-dark a guy. Tried to drink the darkest beer a place has available. The problem was, it got me drunk and I didn't appreciate the big burps or the taste. Women actually have more sensitive sensory receptors, which is why we have a taste for sweeter ales with apricot and oranges. So bust that fact out when your man makes fun of you for having a Blue Moon. 

* * *

...and for the glamorous and chic side of this blog, I thought I would share a beer cocktail I came across. I haven't tried it, but plan on it once the weather allows it. Perfect for a BBQ!

guest post : kate of sketch and wash peak inside my sketchbook

I am over the moon excited about today's post! I'm honored to be featured on Sketch and Wash by Kate!

* * *

Kate is a very artistic and multi-talented girl, who was an architecture major in college. Post-graduation she found it difficult to live creatively, and thus came the blog Sketch and Wash. It is literally Kate's empty canvas that she paints everyday with beautiful drawings, paintings and inspiration [including our art to inspiration posts]! Take a peak inside my sketchbook this week over at Sketch and Wash and leave Kate some c&é love. 

* * *

Not sure if you saw, but I sort of re-vamped the old Facebook page. It needed some updating. Question to my fellow bloggers, what all do you put on your Facebook page? I add my instagrams, post links, and any other links I come across worth sharing that day. I would love to hear from you!

recipe : tomatillo salsa

When we think of comfort food we think: chicken noodle soup, ice cream, mashed potatoes. I think of chips and salsa. I'm not sure what it is, but I get this little craving for chips, salsa and margaritas every single Wednesday. I think my personal clock tells me it's hump day and the week is almost over. So here's to wishing it was hump day or already looking forward to the weekend!

Looking for a red salsa recipe? You can find it here!

* * *

Click on the image to enlarge the recipe.

Print on a 3 x 5 index card setting and store with the rest of your recipes!

vogue : in 3 ways

You probably heard me boasting about my newly acquired vintage Chanel pieces. I finally got them from the seamstress and they are all fitted and ready to wear. They are classic pieces and one of my favorites is a cobalt dress. I found an identical dress on j. crew, and with spring coming in, I thought I'd style it for you! 

via {purse} {heels}

I could go the obvious route and style my new dress with a blazer and heels for work, but why not wear it out? NYFW proved that haute, bold colors are in for spring. I always enjoy catching up with friends at a girls brunch on Sunday, and usually end the weekend with some retail therapy.

via {bag} {sandals} {necklace}

I find myself at this wine bar down the street. It's candlelit, chic and filled with the trendiest people. There is always bossa nova playing in the background and you smell a nice evening musk on most of the men working there. The dress looks conservative, but pair it with the right pieces and you can go sexy, evening wear.

via {bag} {flats} {earrings}

I love the idea of a day to night outfit. This is the perfect day outfit to run errands. I especially love these studs, found at my new favorite online jewelry go-to store, InPink. I need a bag that can carry my notebook, folder, iPad and can be carried over my shoulder.

{weekend note}

{via}

{on the record player}

Samba de Benção by Bebel Gilberto

It's been a long, exhausting and exhilarating week. Just when I got everything under control after the new year, my cousin's wedding came up! It was seriously a blast and I've got some great pictures to share with you and a little feature I'll be teaming up for. Now that my henna is mostly gone, back is sore, and sarees are all stored away, it is time to get back into the normal routine. 

After this week of being severely ill, I need to take some time to self-pamper. Manicure, fruit platters and a little shopping after a much needed brunch is in order. Of course, I'm leaving you with some inspiration for the weekend. 

I was given a gift certificate to InPink, what should I get?

I may buy out all of H&M's spring collection.

Going out to hunt for an outfit like this.

How much do you adore this room?

Beer can be pink and pretty!

* * * 

Notes from my death sick bed.

Seriously, there are not enough patterns.

A man's touch on design and fashion.

Did you open your valentine?

bit of life : notes from a sick bed

{via}

I went through my blog draft list, that I cleverly keep handy on me when I'm sick/busy, to post something for today. I initially had wedding pictures planned from last week, but the fact that I was so completely overwhelmed with being sick, I didn't get to complete that task. I also didn't like my draft posts.

Today, I thought I'd just share a few random things on my mind. While we're at it, please share some of yours!

1. I'm overly jealous of all my friends who were at New York fashion week. Didn't see me on instagram this week? That's because I almost deleted my account due to the stampede of NYFW runway pictures and after parties and goodies. But, it's okay. I'm still on instagram, and still jealous.

2. My cousin is married and currently soaking up the rays in Hawaii with his new beautiful bride. #stilljealous

3. Last time I had a fever like this was October 2008, junior year in college. I remember because I wrote my best paper under the influence of Dayquil [before everyone realized it had the same effects as Nyquil].

4. I did some intense blog promoting at the wedding, on the downside, no one really understood what a blog was.

5. I've got a nice group of friends who follow me on the blog [you!] and every single day I think about how lucky I am to have all of you in my life. This isn't the meds talking, I promise.

6. Why are all my friends just now getting Pinterest?

7. Pinterest is the new Google Image Search.

8. I just realized I didn't post a recipe this week.

9. I love being a blogger [meds are kicking in].

10. I really need to make my grad school decision soon.

design : ikat love

{via}

...gimme some of that ikat love.

Running a fever/I'm in physical pain. So, I won't be writing much today. Hope you have a happy Thursday!

design : a man's touch

via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {9} {10} {11} {12}

here is your valentine!

guest post : nikki of cupcakes for breakfast valentine's day brunch

Since you all probably have plans already for Valentine's day, I thought I would invite you the day before to a brunch with Nikki of Cupcakes for Breakfast.

We would love to have you over!

{weekend note}

{on the record player}
Kariye Na by Alok Nath

It's wedding weekend, people! This entire week has been tiring yet lots of fun. Catching up with friends and family and coming together for such a joyous event is always a great time, right? On top of that, most of my cousins have kids who are all around the same age [0-2 years old], so my brother and I have been playing host and running after the little ones. 

I want you to join in on the fun, so I thought I'd give you some lovely links that fit the occasion.

And if you really want to join in on the party, be sure to check out out my instagram!

Transport you back to India.

Ultimate Bollywood reception!

My cousin's wedding exactly a year ago from Sunday.

Heart inspired henna.

One link not to miss, a stunning and dramatic Indian wedding video.

For added Indian inspiration, visit Sundeep at Designwali!

* * *

Cute printable valentines for you to give out.

Bite into these valentine macarons.

V-day gift guide for your besties.

Valentine's Day craft round up.

live to create : print out valentine

I hope you've been enjoying the Valentine's Day posts! I had so much fun putting it all together and thought I would try something new. I made my own valentines this year, and wanted to share them with you. I'm not expert at this, I just uploaded two that I made onto Scribd. You can find the cards here! I sent the Eiffel Tower cards to my boyfriends family members, and gave the heart tree cards to my friends. For you, my blog lovers, I've got something special for you on V-day. 

I've never done print outs before. Do you all have suggestions on file sharing or hosting sites? 

I'd love to hear from you!

Again, click here for the print out!

recipe : raspberry macarons

How about a Valentine's Day tea party? When I made these, I didn't mean to add jam to them. I was under the impression I had cream for the whipped filling. No, I didn't. I was in sweats, hair in a messy bun, smeared mascara from the night before. I was in no position for a grocery run. People, jam was the genius side of me thinking. Or starving side of me.

Pink, parisian, pretty. Perfect for Valentine's day.

* * *

Click on the image to enlarge the recipe.

Print on a 3 x 5 index card setting and store with the rest of your recipes!

gift guide : v-day with the girlfriends

Okay, lets be honest, you would love me if I got you one of these. I'm not sure if I'm confusing valentines day gift guide with personal need list. I wish I could say, "drop me a line and let me know what you would like for valentine's day!" Instead, I'll make your valentine's day easy and you can send me one of everything. Sound good?

{1} c&é loves mini ban.do heart {2} Deborah Lippman Do ya think I'm sexy {3} Starling Trinket Dish {4} White Chocolate Raspberry Star {5} Small Squares Scarf {6} Tea Cupcake Kit {7} Heart Shoe Clip {8} Journal & Pen {9} Mercury Votive Holder 

Just if you're curious, I'm headed out to a Disney Characters Brunch with my little niece today! Keep on the lookout on either Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for her reactions. She has had Mickey's Playhouse on constant repeat since Sunday night. Lets see how she handles this!

Hope you all have a lovely day!

live to create : valentine's day crafting roundup

* * *

I thought I'd start the week just right. Since I'll be leaving you early this week for my cousin's wedding, I put in a little ounce of special in each post. Today, I'll share with you my favorite Valentine's Day crafts.

These are definitely the cutest jars from A Beautiful Mess.

 Such an easy way of looking festive for Valentine's Day with these heart elbow pads.

An appropriate pom pom topper for your sweet indulgences. 

A Valentine's favor bag for your homemade treats.

Have you done any Valentine's Day crafts you care to share? 

{weekend note}

{via}

{on the record player}
The Way You Look Tonight by Billie Holiday

Well, you must be wondering why I have a picture of partially completed henna. Well friends, my cousin is getting married next weekend and we have started the execution phase today! My cousin [from Illinois] is marrying a longtime family friend from Florida. And since we're from Florida, we're partially hosting the family and trying to help my cousin and his family as much as we can. It is going to be a blast, I can feel it! So this week, we are putting up the final details and enjoying the smooth sail. For next week's {weekend note}, I've got all Indian inspired links, which I can't wait to share with you!

Join me on Instagram to see the preparation phase of the Indian wedding! If you don't have Instagram, you can find my pictures on Facebook or Twitter.

Finally, some lovely links from this week. Care to share your favs of the week?

My two favorite in one cake, chocolate + wine.

Coco Chanel's glamorous home.

A little daytime glitter.

Beautiful and delicious.

Wu's Target collection comes out this weekend, here's a little motivation!

Loved this lamp redo!

Such a beautiful, unique color palette.

...and as always you can find more inspirational links here.

* * *

You can probably make these as an appetizer for the superbowl, or find something here.

The first installment of The Art to Inspiration Project was a success!

Gilded candle holder are so glamorous and easy to make.

* * *

Next week I'm sharing all things Valentine's Day on the blog including crafts, a special recipe and more. The only downside is that I'm cutting the week short by one day [sad] because I'm sure the wedding mayhem will be going on.

Happy weekend and see you all Monday!

oh, snap! : vintage paradise

* * *
After going through my dad's old electronics bag, I came across some old film and wondered if they were still good after the expiration date. Looked up some information and found out that they give your pictures a vintage touch to them! Low saturation, a little darkness, random tinting. So I took some photos from when I was in Jamaica, with the older film. Thought this would be cool to share, since it's different. So here it is Canon AE-1, old film, unedited.

* * *

* * *

I have some pictures I'll be sharing with you in a few weeks from a recently bought film. They're headed to the lab tomorrow!

[PS] I woke up with the hiccups this morning... does that even happen?