A RESOLUTION SUGGESTION for 2014

“I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness.  And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny.  And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”

–Coco Chanel

Lets think about this for a minute. You know that woman who always looks put together? Her hair perfectly done, pencil skirt fits perfectly, blouse void of any wrinkles and makeup just perfect? Fortunately, I know quite a few. Ok. So what if you don't know her... What would you assume her to be like? Yes, I know you should never judge a book by its cover - but its hard not to think that this well put together woman's life is frazzled when she looks ready to take on the world.

 

A woman who is put together can set the tone for every situation she goes into just by simply taking the time to present herself in the best way possible. And no, Its not only out of politeness for others. Its for her. She instantly feels good, becomes a bit more confident and stands a bit taller.

 

How many times have you run to the grocery store in sweats, made a trip to the bank in your college t-shirt ? I'm not saying you need to be carpet ready at all times, what I am saying is just to take a minute to throw on a pair of jeans that actually fit. Instead of your gym shoes throw on ballet flats and if you really only feel like wearing your college tee ....just throw a classic trench coat on over top and you will instantly look polished. I'm not asking for more time to get ready... it does take just as long to throw sweats on as it does jeans. Some women believe they jeans aren't as comfortable in sweats...bologna. They make jeans now that feel like leggings. A small change makes a huge difference. 

 

Here are a few of the benefits of changing out of your pj's/lounge wear as soon as you begin your day:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SET THE RIGHT TONE FOR THE DAY

Running out the door in a disheveled mess is not a good start to the day. I get it, your busy. Instead of grabbing your wrinkled t-shirt throw on something that fits and is already ironed. Doing so will set the tone for a more calm start to the day and make you feel ready for what the day may bring.

 

 

 

 

COMMAND RESPECT

How we dress communicates to others how we view ourselves. If you dress professionally and appropriately for the environment you are more likely to be treated the exact same way.

 

 

 

CREATE YOUR OWN LUCK

As you start to take care in your appearance it will prepare you to have a good day, and should an opportunity arise unexpectedly , you’ll be ready to take it on.

 

 

 

 

 

LOOKING GOOD HELPS YOU TO FEEL GOOD

There are days when getting out of bed requires the jaws of life and pms has made me feel like a bloated mess. It just feels impossible sometimes to put myself together. Yet, something happens when I finally do get up and get ready. It instantly projects a positive feeling within and puts out to the world that I'm not that moody grumpy person I might have felt like inside. After some time, my mood shifts.  I start to feel better and my day is better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to finish this post off with something very important. Dressing well doesn’t require a big budget. You can easily buy a Chanel suit coat and look just as polished and put together as the woman who buys at consignment. Its not about the money you spend on your wardrobe its about your creativity and just taking a moment to switch into something that fits and is presentable.

Treat yourself with respect and take time to feel good.  You are totally worth it.

xo
Meems
 

PLAN A DINNER PARTY SERIES: Part 1

 

 

When I think of the Holidays I think of time spent with friends and family. A time to gather around, share a few laughs and create beautiful memories.

 

The perfect way to create an ambiance for just that is to host a dinner party. You don't need to have a sit down 5 course meal, I prefer appetizers and signature cocktails which allows for mingling and ease for both the host and the guests. Here are some tips to ensure you have a successful dinner party.

 

THE PERFECT GROUP

 

A memorable dinner party is one that allows your guests to be relaxed and involved in engaging conversation. Bring up a surprise topic or an event to get the conversation flowing.  I recommend 6 to 10 guests.  By remaining within this range, you keep the party intimate. Plus your guests get to know each other a bit more! Mix the crowd up. Invite singles you may want to introduce to one another, or a friend of yours that is musically talented for an impromptu jam session. Your group should be eclectic to make for some interesting topics and moments.

 

 

 

BAR PREPARATION

 

Be sure to have your bar prepared whether you are sticking to one specialty drink or are giving your guests an array of choices.  I also like to make a small note card for the "drink of the night" that includes the ingredients. TIP: Make sure that the moment they walk in the door you supply them with a drink.  This will help your guests  to relax a bit if they need to.

 

 

 

 

SET THE MOOD

No matter what song list you play make sure they set the tone you had envisioned for your party. Sometimes the background music should be just that – in the background, but sometimes it serves as a conversation starter. Be sure to keep the volume in check, and eliminate your stress by making sure you don’t have to keep checking your player whichever you may be using.

 

Lighting! The lighting of a room can easily make or break the party. Think about the coziest restaurant you know... how is the lighting set in the restaurant?  To achieve a soft glow, avoid harsh overhead lighting and use candles both on all your spaces tables and throughout your home. 

 

Introductions.... This is a very small detail to remember but one that is impactful. When introducing your friends or family to one another, you always want to introduce their name first before their relation to you. Its not just proper but allows the other to remember their name vs. just their relation to you. TIP: If there are new introductions being made, help to initiate conversation. The best way to help out is to mention something that is common ground between them.

 

VISUALIZE YOUR SPACE

 

Your home should always be clean however when you have guests over its all about the details. Tidy up your coat closets, pull out your nice table linens and iron them. Even out your draperies and fluff your pillows. Light candles and place them in special nooks. Use beautiful paper napkins in the bathrooms and pull out your special soaps. TIP: Avoid scented candles that overpower the smell of your cooking. Fresh flowers in each room also set the mood. Walk through your home and inspect the details. Imagine being in a beautiful hotel, what makes that place feel fresh and clean? Use those very thoughts and add or take away to create that space. Do a walk through 30 minutes before your guests arrive.

 

 

 

 

 

TIP: If you have limited space for coats, I suggest purchasing a collapsible coat wrack for when you have company over. Keep it tucked in a corner with beautiful wooden hangers, matching of course. It keeps your home tidy and their belongings organized. One of my pet peeves, is seeing coats and bags thrown on a beautifully made bed. Its a small detail but really makes a difference. 

 

 

THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

 

A few days before, or possibly a week,  sit down and plan out exactly what you would like to serve, how much prep time you will need to ensure that you aren’t rushed and frazzled, but instead be able to relax and enjoy the evening. I also enjoy writing down the food options on either note cards, chalk board or displayed on butcher paper (add the ingredients in small writing under each of the more complex dishes).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIP: Plan your look ahead. Treat yourself to a blowout before the party - you need to look fabulous.  After all, you are the host.

 

 

 

SIT BACK AND SIP

Ok, so now the house is ready, the music is playing, the food is prepared or almost ready to be served, and you look fabulous . . . one more thing must be done to help you relax – sit down and enjoy a half a glass of wine thirty minutes before your guests are expected to arrive. Not only will this help you relax, but it will serve as a quick reward and moment for reflection on a job well done.  Do yourself a favor and give it a try.

 

While now you should be well on your way to coming up with the type of party you want to create. What works for you when putting together a dinner party? Id love to hear!

XO

Meems

I wish you for you this holiday to savor each moment. Completely lose yourself in the moments. Turn off your phones and enjoy the now. Be present. Don’t worry about the place you need to be next or the items on your list to check off. Savor the moments that truly count, whether it be among the laughs and hugs of family and friends or the tranquility of you and yourself alone. May you feel the magic during the most beautiful time of the year. I wish you a very joyous holiday and may 2014 bring each and every one of you new moments, inspiration and peace.

 

 

Merry Christmas to you.

 

 

 

With love, peace and joy,  

 

xo Meems

 

ELF Duties....

 

 

 

There is nothing I love more than giving on Christmas time. Whether it is homemade goodies, a beautiful hand written card or gifts....I like to make each and extra item special. Gift wrapping gives you the outlet to be as creative as you want. It's all in the details, you don't have to go out and spend a lot of money on paper. Look around your house and use your noggin. Butcher Paper tied with  twine and a fresh cut branch of balsam make quite a chic presentation. Think outside the traditional gift wrapping box. Here are just a few ideas to try that I pulled together last minute. Oh....& Don't forget to blast your Bing Crosby and Harry Connick Jr while doing so. Get in the mood and do it with love.

 

 

1. His and her gift card wrapping idea. Big bow for the woman and a more structured dark knot for the man. (The candle glowing is Moss and Mint by NEST - keeping your surroundings festive helps with the holiday spirit) 

 

2. Fill potpourri in a clear bag and add your gift cards... Use festive scents to spice up your gift. Nothing like opening the bag and catching the magical scent of Christmas....

 

 

 

Add ornaments to help make your presents shine and pop. I personally love silver paper with a blush ribbon and sparkly snowflakes or icicles hanging for the extra pop factor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever you do, do it with love and pass that feeling on. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

 

XO

Meems

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C. (2nd Bottle and quite obsessed with this product) I've written about this product a few months ago and I'm hear to push this onto you once again.  This product is an anti oxidant brightening serum formulated to help produce collagen and minimize fine lines. It defends from environmental aggressors and free radial damage. Basically this product is the *ish. I put mine on before my moisturizer and eye cream, in the am and the pm. A bit pricey so I would suggest buying the travel size first to see if you agree with me. But a little goes a long way. My 1 oz bottle lasted me a few months.

 

2. VichyCellu DeStock . I really don't have a cellulite problem per say, just a spot here and there that annoy the dickens out of me. Diet and exercise do make a small difference ladies, but it will not drastically change your cellulite. I've done my research. After reading many reviews, books and tests on this product I decided to try it myself. I will take a before pic and after pic to see if there truly is a difference. I don't believe this will cure nor get rid of people with major cellulite but it cant hurt to help it added along with a healthy lifestyle. If this helps even just a bit than I will be one happy camper. Hey, its worth a shot. I would rather prevent today than have to treat it with an extreme measures in the future. My daily routine my take a few minutes longer but if it makes me feel good it is worth every second. More details to follow.....


3.Klorane Eye Makeup Remover (A staple of mine) This is the only eye makeup remover I have found that works like a dream. I tried this after hearing reviews by famed makeup and skincare specialist, Lisa Eldridge. You don't have to scrub your eyes to remove and a little geos a long way - plus++ no residue is left behind on your skin. It's quite affordable unlike other French product obsessions of mine. At $9 a bottle this can last up to 2 months. Try it and see for yourself.

 

4. Dr Dennis Gross Acne Pads. Ive been having some trouble spots the past few weeks, partly due to the fact that I have been baking religiously for 14 days straight and I have to taste test everything. (insert guilty smile). Sugar does not do me any good whatsoever.... both physically and mentally. It takes such a toll on me. I could kick myself for overloading. Any who, I did my research and purchased these bad boys  last night I tried them. Im going to be honest - These suckers stung like a mo fo!!!! After the sting went away my skin itched for a few minutes. I was fanning my face to get the sting and itch out. After my panic state - it completely stopped.... Would you believe the next morning my skin was glowing? The ugly marks that were on my face were 90% gone. My pores looked cleaner and skin had a glow. Is it worth the sting and itch for a few minutes? Absolutely. While you sting you can run in a circle to get air flow and loose calories while doing so. lol. But in all seriousness,  I'm a drama queen and have highly sensitive skin so the my reaction was probably worst than most. If you have trouble spots or trouble weeks during the month, I 1000% suggest you try these out. Bye sugar... hello glowing skin!

 

 

& There you have it. I have a product obsession. I hope you treat yourself to something special this holiday season. Every woman needs to have confidence and should some of your confidence come via bottle form don't hesitate. YOU ARE WORTH IT.

 

*Most of my products are bought through Sephora & drugstore online, as a Sephora VIB member I sometimes get 20 % - 30% off promotions or a $20 dollars of purchases here and there. Always purchase an item with a discount, a happy wallet is a happy you! Trust me. You may look good but if you are broke that aint cute.

 

XO

Meems

 

 

 

 

A Treat for you!

 

Meem's 3 Layer Bars

 

 

Preheat oven to 325

 

Melt 2/3 cup of  Butter and Mix in 2 Cups of Graham Cracker and load it into an 8 x8 pan (flatten out the crust and make sure the crust is spread out evenly) You do not need to spray the pan.

 

 

 

In a separate bowl add a 3/4 of a bag of sweetened coconut flakes, a cup of salted peanuts, one can of condensed milk and a 3/4 of a bag of semi milk chocolate morsels. Add to the mixture one tablespoon of vanilla and stir. Pour over graham crust and evenly distribute.

 

 

Bake at 325 degrees for about 35 minutes.

While the bars are baking,  melt one about 3/4 bag of Nestlé's milk chocolate morsels and 3 heaping tablespoons of Reese's Peanut Butter. Stir frequently.

 

Take the bars out of the oven and pour on topping. Spread the mixture evenly. Let sit for 30 mins than wrap up with foil and refrigerate over night.

 

 

The next day, let the bars thaw for 30 mins before cutting. Cut into small pieces as this bar is super super sweet. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!

 

 

 

 xo
Meems

 

 

 

 

The Christmas holiday is upon up. It is time to turn up the Bing Crosby and delight in the holiday spirit. The last 3 weeks have been one big whirlwind and I'm behind on my shopping. This weekend I plan on knocking it all out along with a  Christmas Party. The snow has fallen here in NYC leaving a glistening blanket covering Central Park and I am hoping the temperature drops again so we can have a white Christmas.

 

Here is a post I found that you might want to take a look at as you too finish up your holiday preparations:

 

~Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips from Rachel Khoo ~

 

And while I am incredibly excited for Christmas’ arrival, I am just as excited for the downtime after the 25th. I have books I want to read, resolutions to make, and time I want to spend with friends I call family and family I call friends.

 

What do you have planned this weekend?

 

 

Whatever it may be, take a look through the blog the past week and maybe it will help with your shopping list. Be safe, make memories and savor the time spent with family and friends.

 

With Love,

 

Meems

 

 

SEMESTER IS DONE AND THIS IS HOW IT FEELS.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

& Then this happens..............

xo
Meems

GET IN THE MOOD ALREADY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINTER GINGERBREAD CHEESCAKE.

Source via Taste Your Life

Need I say more?! Gingerbread and cheesecake? Sounds like Heaven to me!

I came across this recipe and just had to share. I will be attempting this beauty and will document it for you. In the meantime, here is the recipe. Should you make this for the ones you love or yourself  - send me a pic, Id love to see your creation!


Preparation: 40 minutes.

Baking: 85 minutes.

All ready: 4 hours or second day.

Serves: 12.


Gingerbread bottom:

2 ½ cup all purpose flour

½ cup liquid honey

1 egg, whisked

½ cup caster sugar

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp spice


Cheesecake:

750 g cream cheese

2 eggs

100 ml double cream

6 tbsp liquid honey

1 tbsp spice

3 tbsp muscovado sugar


Ganache:

150 g dark chocolate

3 tbsp double cream



Directions:

Preheat the oven to 180C. Butter 21 cm round baking pan .

Place butter, honey and sugar on a pan and heat until it's well melted, stirring from time to time. Set aside to chill. In a medium bowl place sifted flour, soda and spice. Mix in whisked egg and honey mixture, knead the dough until well combined. If you think its too liquidey add 1 or 2 tbsp of flour.

Line pan with the dough: both bottom and sides. Bake for 15-20 minutes

Mix cream cheese with eggs, cream, honey, sugar and spice. Pour into baked gingerbread bottom and bake for another 50 minutes. Set aside to chill : first in the turned off oven then outside it.

Melt the chocolate in a small pot with cream, honey and spice. Spread on baked and chilled cheesecake. The best for cheesecake is to stay all night in the fridge. & VOILA!

xo
Meems

THIS IS FOR YOU

 

 

To me, the holiday season is such a special time. A time of family, friends and celebrations with those you love. When people are kinder, words are loving and homes are filled with glowing candles and jolly holiday décor.

However, to some, this time of year can be overwhelming…. amongst the stresses, the bills and the to do’s & forgetting about taking care of themselves.

You need to remember to take care of yourself, mentally, physically & emotionally. “You time” is important! If you are not the best “you” how can you the best for others. Here are some tips on getting the Grinch out of you:

Stay Rested - Sleep in. Let your body wake up naturally on your day off and don’t get overwhelmed with your to do’s. You will get more done when your well rested and not pulling a “Grinch”. If you can’t sleep in later, take a cat nap. Before  my parties & gatherings, I allow 20 minutes for a cat nap. The nap distresses me and gets me ready mentally. Mental health is just as important as your overall physical health.

Dieting - Don’t feel guilty if you fall of the wagon in terms of your diet. You can always jump back on when you’re ready. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you have committed to eating healthy, let those around you know or bring your own food readily made to enjoy at your family/friends party. If you get any looks or comments, kindly tell them you are  setting yourself up for your own personal success and those that love you will be supportive.

For the spiritual & religious - Read an advent and/or attend mass this time of year. The music, the energy, the flowers are beyond beautiful and how can you leave not feeling uplifted. Try reading an inspirational quote that pertains to your situation and allow the words to inspire you and get you out of your funk.

Just say no -  If your too busy with work, children and gift wrapping it's okay to decline a party invite. You cant be everywhere all the times.

Take it in! Try to enjoy the holidays. Schedule a baking day with your friends/family. Throw on some holiday music, light your decorations and buy a pine scented candle. Watch a  holiday movie! There are certain movies that bring out the holiday nostalgia and instantly transport me back to the simple years of my youth. What’s your favorite holiday memory? Relive it.

Remember to take time for yourself & yes you do have time for you. Make the time and enjoy your holiday.

 

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

xo

Meems

(a repost of last year...)

A GIRL'S WEEKEND BREAKFAST

HOME IS WHERE THE LOVE IS!

 

Happy Monday! This past weekend was quite the whirlwind. I managed to get 3 papers done for class as well as complete 2 rounds of baking totaling about 380 cookies. Here is Round 1 of my Christmas cookie bake-athon!

 HERE IS WHAT WE BAKED:

• Pignoli Cookies
• Sugar Cookies
• Peanut Butter Thumbprints with Milk and Milk and White Kisses
• Pecan Snowballs
• Coconut Graham Cracker Bars topped with Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter
• Chocolate Chip Cookies dipped in Ganache and SeaSalt
• Snowballs with Pecans and Ghirardelli Morsels

Also, a few pieces of furniture for our home arrived earlier than expected. Ill show you my favorite.... I've been obsessed with Pier 1's Hayworth Collection for a few years now but the vanity they have in the collection only has 1 shallow drawer. I wanted a vanity mirrored but functional for my needs. So, I've been on a mission the past 6 months to find the perfect mirrored vanity and here she is! This is the Powell Mirrored Vanity, you may find her on Joss and Main, Amazon or even One Kings Lane. I also found the sheepskin rug on GILT. Having the sheepskin under your feet is just an added bit of luxury.

 

 

Our bed is the Colette Bed by Crate & Barrel and the sheets are Hudson Park found  at Bloomingdales, the white percale with dove stitching. I added the gray pillow by Restoration Hardware to bring out the dove colored stripes in the sheets. The Dove stripe is a grayish color.

 

I also managed to find this beautiful Gray Brindle Argentinian Cow Hide from Gilt, originally over $899 & I bought this steeply discounted during Black Friday. Plus, they offered an additional 40% off of the Gilt price . I should have bought 2! 

What did you do this past weekend? 

 

xo
Meems

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Much more to come next week on the blog!
xo
Meems

 

 

FESTIVE NIBBLES...

source via Mrs Lilien

Noritake BOB Dune Collection / Zingerman's City Goat Cheese / Noritake WOW Dune Collection / Zingerman's Chocolate Bacon Pig / Noritake WOW Swirl Collection / Zingerman's Organic Prosciutto / Noritake BOB Snow Collection / Zingerman's Hamentaschen

LET'S GET FESTIVE!



list via TSLLB

First I want to apologize for the delay in posts. I am down to the  last 5 days of school for the semester and I have been up to my ears in work. However, that does not stop me from getting into the Christmas spirit. With that said, I want to share some of my favorite holiday tunes.

 

To me, it's the classic holiday songs that remind me of my childhood and take me back to the innocent days when Santa existed. When we would wait up all night hoping to get a glimpse of his sleigh flying through the air. When just the jingle of a bell would send me running to the window in hopes that Old St Nick would soon appear.

I wanted to have my first holiday soiree at my new apt. but unfortunately some of our custom pieces will not arrive until February. Maybe some of the holiday parties we will be attending will have these festive tunes playing. Here are some of my favorites, please add to the list and let me know your favorites!

 

 

1. Cool Yule - Louise Armstrong
2. Sleigh Ride - Ella Fitzgerald
3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – Nat King Cole
4. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams
5. Linus And Lucy (Charlie Brown Christmas) – Vince Guaraldi Trio
6. It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas - Harry Connick Jr.
7. Christmas Time Is Here - Diana Krall
8. Last Christmas - Wham! (George Michael)
9. Carol of the Bells - The Piano Guys
10. Jingle Bells - Sammy Davis Jr. 
11. Baby It’s Cold Outside - Cee Lo Green (featuring Christina Aguilera)
12. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra
14. All I want for Christmas - Mariah Carey
15. Holly Jolly Christmas - Michael Buble
16. Auld Lang Syne (Sex in the City arrangement) - Banna de Minstrels (one of my favorite movies)

xo
Meems