Here's to Lookin' at Brisky Weather and Tech Gloves for 2013

To those who believed that the end of the world was coming in December, we're still here, disasters and all! Last year, as I counted down to the year 2012, I was celebrating the closing of another chapter in my book (filled with heartbreaks, fashion faux pas, and the general acclimation to a completely new environment with a completely new career change) in such warm weather that I can now believe that global warming is officially playing us and the world might just be falling into shambles, or that mother nature is just being seriously hormonal.

This year, as we look to another new year (a whole 365 days worth), we'll most definitely celebrate in frigid cold temperatures, which is predictable since winter is among us. With all of these crazy winter storms and crazy blasting cold temperatures, it's incredibly difficult to not leave my cozy warm house. For those willing to brace the cold and celebrate in style, lace and stockings are the keys to a golden night!

Ponte and Lace Dress. [Rebecca Taylor.]

Refinery29 (of course) has recently posted the ultimate rip-proof guide to black tights. For those who are constantly ripping their tights, a.k.a me, this crazy cool pop culture fashion crazy site will direct you to your go to pair sans the time and money that goes into searching for that one pair of tights. Among one of their picks is the Uniqlo Heattech tights, which are absolutely perfect for this time of year. Who doesn't want their clothes to come in with a "built-in heater" for those frosty days?

Women Heattech Tights [Uniqlo.]

Spanxs are a gal's best friend during this time of year where you splurge a little in your diet and might just end up skipping a workout or two...

Tight End Tights [Spanx.]

And while you're on the go from one venue to another during the winter season, you 'd want to keep your extremities warm too. Smart gloves have been somewhat of a huge hit this season and now that I'm seeing them on sale, I might just snag one or two. These gloves come in handy because they not only keep you warm, but allow you to check on your messages on your phone as you're on the go! For those who don't stay still in one place for more than a half hour or so, this is probably the best after Christmas day buy you can grab.

Smart Gloves. [Buji Baja.]

 As a native New Yorker, I have a strong affinity for the color black, probably because our winter seasons are long, brutal, and dark, but mainly because black is such a versatile color that matches with all. While black is my go to color for the wardrobe, I do believe in variability in colors with my food.

Tuscan Kale Salad

Kale is my favorite kind of vegetable, providing essential nutrients for your body. So put down that iceberg lettuce and shift over to kale as part of your new year's be fit and healthy resolution!

Holiday Treats and Sweets

It's that time of the year to enjoy the holidays with family and friends...Christmas or from my last post, Festivus! What brings friends and family members happily fighting and conversing at the dinner table more than anything else? The delectable sweets, which can be bought in store or made in your very own kitchen (because let's face it, anything sweet, fun, unique, and of the holiday spirit will make anyone run head first to the desserts) are sure to make anyone light up with joy!

My take on the very classic chocolate chip cookie turned into a rather festive kind...I give you the Dark chocolate chips and walnuts Peppermint cookie!

Inspired by a recipe I found for Chocolate chip Peppermint cookies, I wanted something a bit more flavorful and because my sweet tooth always calls for dark chocolate, it just had to be done. While intensely addicting due to the walnuts, dark chocolate, peppermint AND butter, this cookie puts you in the holiday spirit no matter what. Homemade is surely the way to go.

But of course my holiday baking extravaganza does not just stop at cookies. With all the baking supplies I have lying around, I was inspired to whip up something crazy (yeah...right...crazy..pshh): Matcha green tea and chestnut cupcakes with a matcha green tea frosting. Voila!

My love for gluten free products extends to the baking products I use. To be completely honest, I admire those who are gluten free bakers because gluten free products do not give you the same consistency as when you use normal unbleached all purpose flour. My chestnut flour, as gluten free as you can get flour to be, gave a consistency that was unlike any other. Knowing that my cupcake batter was not the right smooth consistency like a normal cupcake batter, I was nervous. Freaked out, actually. But before giving up completely, I decided to improvise to give it some moisture (or rather some life). Popped those suckers into the oven and bazinga! (see final product above). Christmas/ Festivus/ all around holiday baking has COMMENCED!

Festivus

In the words of Kramer, Happy Festivus!

Dark Chocolate Chips and Walnut Peppermint Cookies

Sometimes our world is filled with way too much consumerism and this holiday is to celebrate all that isn't about the money. If you lose tract of the number of laughs you have at a family gathering, then you know you've celebrated well this year. If your stomach is stuffed and satisfied to the brim, then you can gladly call yourself a happy holiday camper. If you have kissed and hugged countless numbers of family members and friends, well it's guaranteed that you're loved a million times and more! So go out and celebrate the joyfulness and love of the season with those you love because life is delicate and precious.

                                                                                                                        Happy Holidays!!

Nemo!!

Robofish

Nemo just got a tad bit electronically motivated...Introducing, Robofish!

In Full Swing...Kinda Sorta

Being back in the city for the holidays is almost like a breath of fresh air except the city air I'm breathing is a bit less than fresh. With the holiday spirit in check and my taste buds all prepared for everything spiced like hot apple cider and minty hot chocolate, it's also a time to shop for those that are so dear and near to your heart. Unfortunately for me, it is always so stressful and intense when it comes time to holiday shop for your friends and family...things are never in stock, the color isn't right and the constant indecisiveness essentially consumes you to the point where shopping just isn't fun anymore...Well, fear no more! A lot companies and stores have picked out really great gifts to purchase for your lovers at such varying price points that it's actually become less of a hassle for any consumer on the hunt for something special this holiday season. Madewell (my go to shop for all things whimsical and classic chic) has provided an excellent list that you could jump ideas off of for fun presents.

Faux Fur Hat. [Madewell.]

PansyDaisy for Top Hat Sticky Note Two Pack. [Madewell]

Heartstripe Sweater. [Madewell.]

But for those who aren't into those whimsical gifts, but are more intrigued by the practicality of things, you can never go wrong with gadgets for your ever growing tech wardrobe.

With the inspiration of my friend and her love for noise canceling headphones, these nifty gadgets are gift worthy for all who are tech-savvy or just looking to add onto their collection of tech gadgets.

Tech Gloves. [Buji Baja]

With Refinery29's fashion approval of these gloves, these are truly a find. In such a world where we rely so much on our smartphones, laptops, Ipads, etc, these gloves are a great gift for your loved ones. While perusing through Refinery29's Tinseltown pop-up shop in Soho, I came across these bad boys and gave them for a test drive. Editor approved and customer approved all the way- bazinga!

Storefront of Refinery29's Tinseltown Pop-up shop

But if you're looking for a money friendly way of gifting, baking cookies is the way to everyones' hearts.

Cookie Recipes for the Christmas Spirit

But if baking isn't exactly your thing, Dana's Bakery is most certainly not your ordinary macaron...As part of Refinery29's gift guide, Dana's Bakery is one of the gift giving must haves because let's face it, who doesn't want Macarons as a gift??

Dana's Bakery Macaron Gift Box. [Refinery29]

The one thing that makes me go bonkers while Christmas shopping for others is picking gifts for the boys...They are complicated in relationships, but they are most certainly complicated when it comes to picking gifts out for them. But with the help of (surprise, surprise), Refinery29, my life has been more so complete and stress free.

Deadstock Donegal Wool Bow Tie. [Knot & Co.]

I am in love with bow ties and if I could pull off that feminine/masculine trend, I think I would wear them everyday of my life. But for men, bow ties are the ultimate cool trend of the season. While trends shouldn't dictate your life, incorporating them and trying new things to your ever-changing style and identity can make life less of a bore!

Another gift that has been deemed pretty awesome can be given to those who are musically or artistically driven. Molla Space provides these great awesomely designed hardcover notebooks. These designs can range from a turn table, boom box to the rearview mirror from the car. These notebooks were made to illuminate the five senses: hear, touch, smell, taste, and sight...But while, taste isn't something you can actually experience from a notebook, it can just be a part of the tasting experience. But if music is more your thang, try the turn table notebook or the boom box notebook with the extending antenna.

Black Notebooks. [Molla Space.]

Black Notebooks. [Molla Space.]

Black Notebooks. [Molla Space.]

Even though, Christmas shopping can be stressful, this season is all about being with the ones you love and the people that have shaped your life. Just like Thanksgiving, it is a time to celebrate and to be thankful for those that have made an imprint on your life. So, go on out and embrace the holidays with love and joy!