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Gift Guide: It’s the Thought That Counts

By |August 17th, 2011|Gift Guide|
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Just because it isn’t the holiday season, doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions happening.  Perhaps you’ve blown your budget on summer travel (or summer sandals), but whatever the case may be– you need to come up with a gift that isn’t going to break the bank.  Rather than plunk down another scented candle or treasure from the closest Duane Reade, why not come up with something clever?

One of THE most thoughtful gifts I ever received was from a dear friend of mine for my 20-somethingth birthday.  This was the type of gift that only a best friend could have come up with.  When I initially opened the gift, I must admit, I was a bit confused.  An urn?  Is she pointing out that I’m getting old?  Au contraire, mon frere!  This shiny vessel had secrets to spill.

Inside my gal pal listed on 52 little pieces of folded paper all the reasons she loved and enjoyed our friendship.  I opened one each week until my next 20-somethingth birthday.  It is quite literally the gift that keeps on giving (without those pesky cold sores)!

Remember about a month ago when I was headed for a destination unknown?  Well, not only was I slightly stumped when packing, but I was also having a tough time coming up with a gift that would express my feelings without costing a billion dollars.  Why is it that guys only want things that we can’t afford?  Since I couldn’t throw down on that Lamborghini Aventador, let alone a Canon EF 70-200 I had to get creative.  How many pairs of underwear does one man really need?  So, I channeled my inner child and wrote a little story to sum up my feelings.

Using a Moleskine and a little bit of help from Crayola, I crafted a thirty page love story (of the kindergarten type).  While it’s no Ferrari, the recipient was equally (if not more) pleased with the work I put into this gift.

These are just two examples of how you getting a little bit crazy and thinking outside of the box (no pun intended) can result in a gift that means much more than money can buy.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Party Pants

By |August 16th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|
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This is one of my all time favorite outfits and these sequin shorts may seem silly, but I’ve found them to be awfully versatile. �This particular pair of party pants has made its way from the Standard in New York to the Chateau Marmont in LA and had a blast all along the way.

Since moving up north, all my “fun” clothes have been doing nothing but collecting dust. �Needless to say, my sequin shorts haven’t seen the light of day. Sorry, kids, unless you love to wear North Face, Patagonia and J. Crew when you’re feeling jazzy, Northern California is not for you.  But just because I’m suffering doesn’t mean you need to be.

Ready to turn your pants into a party? �Thought so:

1. Kill City Good Country Muscle Tee, $52, 2. Chan Luu Sequined Track Shorts, $148, 3. Rachel Roy Cross Charm Bracelet, $65, 4. Anya Hindmarch Sea Snake Valerie Clutch, $650, 5. Dolce Vita Madison Platform Pump, $165

Are sequin shorts the new LBD? �No, probably not, but they are certainly a fun addition to any girl’s wardrobe.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: True Blood (Red)

By |August 16th, 2011|Setting the Mood|
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Alright, well I don’t watch True Blood or Twilight or any of the other 35,000 shows about vampires, but all that blood leaves me seeing red– in a good way. There is nothing more sexy or chic than a really saturated red. You may opt to deck yourself out in the hot hue, or just punch up some neutrals with a pop or crimson. Even just a red lip can add a little something to the average outfit. I can’t wait to pick out the perfect shade of red to lacquer up my fingers and toes. There is just something about a little bit of red that can get you all fired up. Vampires or not.

xx,

WhyDid

Handbag: Alexander McQueen

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Ring: Solange Azagury-Partridge

Chemise: Rosamosario

Why Did You Eat That: The Easiest (Most Delicious) Lasagna You’ll Ever Make

By |August 15th, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|
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I know many blogs have all kinds of fancy pants couture culinary treats, but I like to keep things much more simple.  Call my palate unsophisticated, but I like to think that I know what type of food pleases people.  I also like recipes that are easy to make (with ingredients that are easy to track down).  So when you combine Italian with comfort food, I’m sold. Who doesn’t like lasagna?  No, really, who?  Below is the easiest, yet most impressive lasagna recipe under the sun.  You’re welcome!
Ingredients:
  • 1 box of Barilla no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb browned ground beef
  • pasta sauce (I love Rao’s if you can find it)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. In a medium sized bowl, combine beaten eggs, ricotta cheese and TWO cups of the mozzarella cheese and parmesan.
  3. Set aside.
  4. In a 13x9x3 pan, spread 1 cup of pasta sauce on bottom of pan.
  5. Layer 4 uncooked lasagna noodles (it’s okay if they overlap), then 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture, half the browned meat, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of spaghetti sauce.
  6. Next layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture, and 1 1/2 Cups sauce.
  7. Next layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining meat, and 1 cup of sauce.
  8. For top layer, 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
  9. Bake covered with foil for 50-60 minutes.
  10. Uncover and continue cooking until all the cheese is melted on the top (about 5 minutes).
  11. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
  12. If you are using a shallower pan, make 3 layers rather than 4 to avoid boiling over.

How easy was that?

xx,

WhyDid

Monday Mashup: Brangelina’s New Baby?

By |August 15th, 2011|Monday Mashup|
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Wait a second…  You. just. wait. one. second.  Did Brad and Angelina adopt another child without us knowing it?  No?  So, you mean to tell me that Maddox is not responsible for smash hits like Grenade and The Lazy Song?  Hmmph.  Bruno Mars, you got the short end of the stick.

xx,

WhyDid

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