As mentioned, I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas music… especially an overdose of carols before the Thanksgiving leftovers have even disappeared from the Tupperware in the fridge.  I am especially averse to the remakes of classic songs by every pop tart on the Top 40 charts.  Why can’t we just leave good enough alone?  Perhaps if festivity wasn’t shoved down my throat, I’d be more apt to be able to enjoy it.  Christmas music is proof that, in fact, you can have too much of a good thing.  But alas, it’s all fair game now… and if I’m going to jingle bell rock- it’s going to be to these classic Christmas tunes.

Jingle bells…

xx,

WhyDid

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Normally I would never mix bright orange with anything black so as to avoid looking like a Halloween reject… Not to mention my highschool colors were actually black and orange (Go Cadets!).  However, I really liked the way this orange- or as I like to call it persimmon- looked with the black acid wash of these jeans and was only accented by adding bold gold accessories.

Sure, this look probably isn’t for everyone… or everyday (and no, I’m not wearing it to Thanksgiving dinner), but it brought out my inner hip hop loving fly girl and it kind of just made me want to dance– but what doesn’t?  Wanna join my dance party?  Here’s how to recreate the look:

1. Kain Scoop Neck Pocket Tank, $49.99, 2. Forever21 Skinny Acid Wash Jeans, $27.80, 3. Only Hearts Lace Bralette, $48, 4. Erica Anenberg Crystal Chunk Ring, $145, 5. Erica Anenberg True Gold Twosome Ring, $80, 6. Alexander McQueen Faithful Bootie, $787.99, 7. D&G Abigail 5 Row Necklace, $195

xx,

WhyDid

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While many of us are busy stocking the refrigerator and planning out tomorrow’s menu, there are others out there who are plotting a different kind of game plan.  That’s right I’m talking about you crazy kids who take part in a little something called Black Friday.  While I would sooner die than try and take on the madness (check out 10 things I’d rather be doing), it’s a tradition for some and well, it’s good for the economy.

• Looks like it’s going to be a big one because U.S. online shopping is already up 14 percent (to $9.7 Billion). [TechCrunch]
• So, it would seem that some of you just can’t wait.  Further proving my point- is Brown Thursday the new Black Friday? [InStyle]
• Alright, well, I would rather shop from the safety of my own home and just peruse the holiday windows via my laptop with hot chocolate in hand. [Vanity Fair]
• BUT, if you must participate in this age old “holiday tradition” here are some rules to survive. [InfographicSite]
• Thinking of finally jumping on the Apple bandwagon?  Check out their Black Friday deals that managed to get leaked right here. [Mashable]
• No?  Not so much on Apple?  Here are some other electronics deals at Best Buy that are just downright zany. [Mashable]
• How about something really outrageous for your truly fabulous friends?  Check out these over the top gifts. [Harper's Bazaar]
• But don’t try indulging in fur anywhere in West Hollywood.  You won’t find it there. [NY Mag]
• Maybe you’d rather not splurge on gifts this year.  Try making this hemp and honey lip balm instead. [Daily Candy]
• Not so crafty?  Well, you can still give a personalized gift but let someone else do the work. [SnazzyCanvas]

Good luck out there, kiddos.  And jut remember, it’s all fun and games til someone loses an eye.

xx ,

WhyDid

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It seems like during this time of year pumpkins get all the attention.  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cupcakes… the list goes on and on and on.  Now, let’s be serious, I love pumpkins as much as the next gal, but sometimes you (and your sweet tooth) crave something a little different for dessert.  Boy, do I have a treat (literally) for you.  I stumbled upon a super easy, super delicious recipe for baked apples that will blow your mind.  Now, I am no pastry chef, but I can read directions.  At first, this recipe may seem daunting, but I promise it’s easier than pie (did you catch that one?).  It takes a bit of attention, so you are gonna have to get up during commercial breaks of Real Housewives of ______, but it will be well worth it.

Ingredients: 

For Baked Apples

• 8 sweet apples, Gala or Fuji
• Butter
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces
• 8 ounces mascarpone
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 orange, zest only
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup brandy

For Crumble Top

• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 ounces butter, cold

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
   
2. Generously spread butter on a 9″ x 13″ baking tray.
   
3. Slice top and bottoms of each apple to make level. Hollow apple with a core to remove stems and seeds. Cut skin in vertical or horizontal stripes to give a decorative look, if desired.
4. Make crumble by combining flour, brown sugar, salt, and sugar in a mixer bowl. Cut butter into smaller pieces. Combine butter and dry ingredients until crumbly and sandy. Keep in refrigerator until needed. 
5.  For the filling, mix mascarpone, brown sugar, dried fruit, salt, cinnamon and orange zest until combined. 
6. Fill apples tightly with filling and place in buttered pan. 
7. Top with crumble. Pack it well on top, cut portion of apple.
8. Pour apple cider and brandy around the apples. 
9. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
10. Baste apples with juice every 20 minutes.
11. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Drizzle with cider and brandy baking liquid. 

Served with vanilla bean ice cream and perhaps a drizzle of caramel… Mind. Blowing.  So, seriously, how do you like them apples?

xx,
WhyDid

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Hey Nicki?  Johnny 5 called… he wants his look back.  I should have figured the opening performance would set the tone for this year’s American Music Awards.  The tone being one big hot shiny mess.  I should have changed the channel… I should have looked away, but alas, I could not.  I’ve had about enough of Nicki’s wacky get ups. I’m on team Johnny 5.  What about you?

The AMA’s weren’t all bad though.  Here are five lovely ladies sporting what was most certainly the trend of the evening- metallics.  Sadly, this is about where the “good” ends and the eye gouging begins.

Watching the AMA’s only confirmed the fact that I might need to relocate to a tropical island– or at least place where it takes a lot more talent and several fewer sparkly bra tops to get ahead.

Exhibits A, B, and B 1/2.  It pains me to see Christina Aguilera look like… well, that.  What happened to that little Genie in a Bottle of yore?  It also pains me to see the mother of two wearing a sequin covered costume that may or may not have belonged to Britney Spears circa 1999.  Those jewel encrusted bra cups have got to be a breast feeding safety hazard.  Am I right?  Let’s not even get into the incestuousness of Pitbull’s pelvic grinding performance with J. Lo followed up by another performance with her ex-hubby Marc Anthony and sequin braziered fly girls.  Ew. And as for Adam Lambert, well, I really just wanted to throw him in so I could coin his new nickname, “Glambert.”  You’re welcome.

Let’s get it together, America.  We’re better than this.  All that glitters is not gold.

xx,

WhyDid

P.S. Ending the show with Hasselhoff in his manties? Classy touch.

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