Mexican Fiesta

If you live (or are visiting) Miami, New York, or Chicago try a meal out at Mercadito.  It's modern Mexican, and they have some standout dishes.  I had a perfect little Sunday brunch here for $18 (which including one drink of choice).  The carne tacos (steak and potatoes) and the estilo baja tacos (beer battered Mahi Mahi) are seriously tasty.  And their margaritas are the bomb.

Get Him to the Greek

I watched the movie Get Him to the Greek this weekend.  It was no Hangover, but it was pretty funny.  I laughed aloud quite a few times.  If you don't have anything better to do, I recommend it.

Jersey at Its Trashiest

Tonight is the series premiere of My Big Friggin' Wedding on VH1 at 9/8C. The show follows the "stress and drama of five couples and their families as they prepare to tie the knot...or not."  Just when you thought Jersey couldn't get any classier trashier than Danielle Staud, VH1 schedules this show into it's line up.


I first got excited when I saw a preview clip featuring a girl yelling "the bachelorette's mother is passed out drunk in the middle of the dance floor."  Let me know if you tune in.

Excellent Halloween Costumes

I have only a vague idea who these two d-list celebrities are, but their Halloween costumes are pretty, pretty, pretty amazing. One Tree Hill tv stars Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols dressed as Katy Perry and Russell Brand.

New Coat for Me!

I bought a new coat Moncler coat last week in Paris.  I went to the Moncler store on Rue Faubourg St-Honore on a Saturday afternoon and there was a line of 30 people waiting outside to get in.  They were waiting outside in the cold for 45 minutes to buy 800 EUR coats!  The store had a security guard at the door and only let one person in for every one person who exited.  I couldn't believe it!  


I couldn't stomach waiting for 45 minutes, so I left and came back later in the evening when the line was smaller.  I still can't believe that I was a big enough sucker to get in line at all, but luckily, I was only in the cold for 10 minutes before I was ushered inside.  I made my boyfriend wait with me and he was about ready to kill me.  


At the end of the experience, I walked about with this beauteous coat!  A picture of the coat style is below, but mine is gray/purple color.

I'm back and lusting after purses!

I'm so ashamed.  It's been a week and half since I last posted.  Sorry, folks!  I got caught up in work, but today I decided that I'd rather blog than work, so I'm setting aside some time to blog everyday.


First things first, a new Balenciaga bag that my sister found online.  Tres chic, non?  No price on it yet, but I'm going to keep my eyes open and browse for it in stores.

Where Children Sleep

Where Children Sleep by James Mollison is a new book of photographs of children from around the world and their and their bedrooms.  Naturally, since it was written by a British author, the book shows two bedrooms from Kentucky that make American families look completely insane.  
P.S. I'm totally sketched out by the hunting kid.  Does that really exist?

Jasmine (‘Jazzy’), four, lives in a big house in Kentucky, USA, with her parents and three brothers. Her house is in the countryside, surrounded by farmland. Her bedroom is full of crowns and sashes that she has won in beauty pageants. She has entered more than 100 competitions. Her spare time is taken up with rehearsal. She practises her stage routines every day with a trainer. Jazzy would like to be a rock star when she grows up.

Kaya, four, lives with her parents in a small apartment in Tokyo, Japan. Her bedroom is lined from floor to ceiling with clothes and dolls. Kaya’s mother makes all her dresses – Kaya has 30 dresses and coats, 30 pairs of shoes and numerous wigs. When she goes to school, she has to wear a school uniform. Her favourite foods are meat, potatoes, strawberries and peaches. She wants to be a cartoonist when she grows up.

Joey, 11, lives in Kentucky, USA, with his parents and older sister. He regularly accompanies his father on hunts. He owns two shotguns and a crossbow and made his first kill – a deer – at the age of seven. He is hoping to use his crossbow during the next hunting season as he has become tired of using a gun. He loves the outdoor life and hopes to continue hunting into adulthood. His family always cook and eat the meat from the animal they have shot. Joey does not agree that an animal should be killed just for sport. When he is not out hunting, Joey attends school and enjoys watching television with his pet bearded dragon lizard, Lily.

Sleazy Miner Gets Even Sleazier Endorsement Offer

Apparently, cheating does pay...

Sleazy Chilean miner Yonni Barrios was all over the news last week when he asked both his wife of 28 years and his mistress of 5 years to come greet him during his ascent from the collapsed mine.

Now, AshleyMadison.com, an online dating service catering to men and women seeking extramarital affairs, has offered the the miner a $100,000 endorsement deal.  He’d be the new face of their Hispanic site. 

Honestly, the marketing people at this company must laugh themselves to sleep every night.  Or cry themselves to sleep.  It could go either way.    

Unfortunately for Yonni, there’s a catch:  the terms of the contract dictate that he must remain married to his current wife.  Since his wife refused to show up to the rescue and has publically expressed her disgust with him, it seems like two-timing Yonni will stay $100,000 poorer.

Yonni with his mistress Susana Valenzuela, 45

Don't Try This at Home

This doesn't seem safe...

Here's Kevin Richardson, a.k.a. the Lion Whisperer, riding on the back of a lion at the Kingdom of the White Lion park near Johannesburg South Africa.

Not So Super Dog

How creepy is this doggy Superman costume?  I'm definitely not feeling the fake arms.  You have to feel bad for this poor little guy.  I bet all the other dogs make fun of him for his dorky costume.

These Boots are Made for Walking

I saw these over the knee See by Chloe boots while visiting Istanbul a few weeks ago.  I tried them on but thought that a price of 1300 TL ($914) was a little steep.  Then low and behold, I found the same pair on net-a-porter.com for only $645.  Good thing I didn't buy them in Istanbul!


I'm still thinking about them, but I'm essentially allergic to paying full price for anything. Instead, I may try to get some boots on sale during the Saks friends and family event next week.

Never Get Lost in a Crowd

This morning, I arrived back in London.  In honor of my return to the UK, I thought I'd start off the day with a post about British designer Vivienne Westwood.  There's a Westwood store just up the street from my office, and this Anglomania coat stands out from a mile away.  Never want to get lost in a crowd again?  For just $1340 you wish can come true.

This coat embodies everything I feel about the London: "It's different and fun for a while, but at the end of the day, it's not really my style."  I think I might be able to make this city my style if I could afford a £4M ($6.2 M) flat, but we'll get there when that day comes.

Large Man with a Small Dog

Kelsey Grammar walking a tiny dog. hahahahaha.  That is all.

Lessons from the Grocery Store

Things I learned at the grocery store today:

1. Don’t get in line behind a women who is buying baby food for twins using food stamps
2. Don’t go down the pastry aisle when Entenmann’s is having a “buy one, get one free” sale
3. Check apples for bites before putting them in the grocery basket

Seriously, who takes a bite--wait--make that three bites out of an apple and then puts it back?

My New Makeup Find

I got this Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation at Duty Free in the Brussels airport a few weeks back.  I ran out of my Laura Mercier foundation and needed something for the weekend.  The foundation has a price tag of $55 on saks.com, but I got it for just €28 ($36).  Go Duty Free! 

I just started using it, and I have to say, I like it.  It’s light and non-greasy.  I have super sensitive skin and have allergic reactions/breakouts all the time, but my skin has been tolerating this well.  A+ for this purchase.

I Told You That Capes Are Cool

I love this Oscar de la Renta dress mainly because it comes with a cape. You can wear the detachable peplum (such a good word) as a skirt or as bolero.  Capes are so cool this season.  I must have one!

Party in the Front

Or Party in the Back

Not So Cute in Person

I order this rugby style Joie sweater on sale from Neiman Marcus.  It looks cute and well draped in the photo, but when it arrived it was baggy and over sized.  The fit is nothing like the photo.  They must have altered the sweater for the model by gathering the back because the actual body of the sweater is much wider.  It gives me the shape of a cow. Such a disappointment.  Seems like I'll be making a trip to return it after work tonight.

Only in Texas

Mark Zable, a chef in Texas, has created the world's first recipe for deep-fried beer.  The beer is poured into a pocket of pretzel-like dough and then fried in 375 degree oil for 15-20 seconds. 

The deep-fried beer will be unveiled in a fried food competition at the Texas state fair at the end of the month.  Mr Zable has primarily been deep frying Guinness, but may try pale ale as well. Last year's winner of the Texas fried food competition was a recipe for deep-fried butter.  

Remind me again why there's an obesity epidemic in the US?

When You Have More $ Than Sense

India's richest (and apparently craziest) man Mukesh Ambani has moved into a £630M home. With the current exchange rate, that's a ridiculous $1.0B.  The home is 27 stories high with  a health club, a dance studio, a ballroom, a bazillion guest rooms, a range of lounges, and a 50 seater cinema.  There is probably also a room for counting money. 600 staff are required to keep the home running smoothly.

If I had this much money, I would build a 5 story safe filled with gold coins like Uncle Scrooge in Duck Tails.  Then I would go swimming in it.  


Ambani has three children.  Do you think any of them are single boys in their 20s?  Just asking...

Keep Out Bruni

Papers in Europe are reporting that the Vatican requested Carla Bruni keep away when her husband traveled to Rome for an audience with the Pope earlier this month. Vatican officials are said to have deliveried a special message to the French ambassador:  "The Mrs. is not invited."  

Carla Bruni is Italian born, and she had previously met the Pope in 2008 during his visit to France.  Reportedly, the Pope was concerned that her presence would spark the publication of nude and racy photos from her modeling career in Italian newspapers.  


Secretly, however, I suspect that he was horrified by her recent covers of Bob Dylan songs. Those were painful. 

Bruni with the Pope in 2008

Bargain Lingerie

Net-a-Porter is selling this Carine Gilson silk-satin kimono for $1,445.  What?  Seriously?  This is lingerie.  You can't even wear this out of the house.  I think Carine Gilson may need to start rethinking her sales strategy immediately.

The website thoughtfully suggests that you slip this cover up on over its matching chemise for the ultimate in "boudoir chic."  Thankfully, the cost of the chemise is relative bargain at $1,050.  

Edible Babies

Tom Alma, the masterful creator of those amazing baby Halloween costumes, also makes Christmas outfits like this fuzzy snow baby.  I seriously want to eat this little guy.

And while this isn't as edible as the baby model, here's a real family Christmas card from the Campanelli's.  This is so cute, but I can't help but feel a little bad for the boys.  You know that once they start dating, this picture will be whipped out every time they bring a girl home for maximum embarrassment.  

Homestyle Cotton Candy

If you're looking for a way to throw the coolest party on the block and to entertain your (drunk) friends, then look no further than your very own cotton candy maker.  And this isn't just any cotton candy maker, it takes your favorite hard candy and spins it into cotton candy.  Imagine the possibilities:  jolly ranchers, lollipops, candy canes....I don't really like eating any of those candies, but the idea is still cool.

I feel like this machine can't live up to it's expectations. Its only $50.  My toaster was more than $50.   Yes, I know what's you're thinking, "Who pays $50 for a toaster?", but still....

this isn't a bad idea.  A lot of other people must like it too, because it's currently on back order.  

Barbie's New Flask

This flask made me laugh when I saw it featured on One Kings Lane.   If you're an alcoholic and a chain smoker, this will be your new best friend.  They should make this in a mini version for Barbie.  The description says it all:  "Smoking and drinking may be vices, but they’ve certainly inspired some stylish accessories."

Mrs. Prindables

My sister told me that she ordered some Mrs. Prindables caramel apples for a little Halloween party she's throwing. I went online to check them out, and they didn't disappoint.  Little cat faces and mini Frankensteins are painted on apples dipped in milk and dark chocolate. Who doesn't want to eat a little cat face?

First the baby Halloween costumes and now these apples.  Halloween is in cuteness overload this year.

These orange and black themed apples are also a hit in my book. 

Bistro 110 Pumpkin Soup

My sister and I used to be obsessed with the pumpkin soup they serve at Bistro 110 in Chicago.  It's creamy and delicious and would come to the table in mini carved out pumpkins.  Sadly, they stopped putting it in the pumpkins a couple years ago when it started getting really popular, but it was still good enough to stand on its own in a plain white bowl.

I was thinking about this soup the other day now that the weather is getting cold, and low and behold, I found it on the Sur La Table website. I almost fainted when I saw how much butter and heavy cream goes into the recipe, but I think I might attempt it sometime this fall. 

Ingredients

• 5 lbs. Pumpkin or butternut squash
• 1 gallon Water
• 1½ cup of butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper

Procedure

1. Peel the pumpkin or squash and remove the seeds. Cut into medium size cubes.
2. In a pot, cover the squash with water, add salt and cook on medium heat until completely soft. Drain ¾ of the water from the pot, and puree the squash with a whisk. Cook on medium heat and add the butter in small pieces until there is a creamy consistency.
3. Add heavy cream, season with salt and pepper.

Recipe created exclusively for Staub by Dominique Tougne of Bistro 110.

Charlie Brown's Lost Sister

The fashion police are all over British actress Carey Mulligan for wearing this frumpy frock on the red carpet earlier this week.  She was out and about looking like Charlie Brown's long lost sister for the opening of the 2010 BFI London Film Festival.  Does anyone else think she could be trying to hide a baby bump?

P.S. If you haven't see Carey in the movie An Education, add it to your Netflicks list immediately.  It was an amazing film.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Wall Street 2.

Amazing Closet Makeover

This awesome closet makeover was featured in the October issue of Real Simple magazine.  Yes, I'll admit, I read that magazine.  I almost can't believe how much bigger the closet looks after the transformation.  I'm also a big  fan of that blue and white rug.  This lady probably screams at her husband every time he tries to walk into the closet with his shoes on.  If I put a nice white rug in my closet, it would probably be the ruin of my relationship with my boyfriend.   


I'm going to find out how to submit my closet for a makeover too.

Before

After

To buy:

• Light and Paint: Orbit chandelier, $249,zgallerie.com. Lulworth Blue paint, $80,farrow-ball.com for stores.
• Accessories: Safavieh Chelsea rug, $414, csnstores.com. Ottoman 1015-00, $957, leeindustries.com for stores. Similar to shown: Nassau ottoman, from $449, ethanallen.com.
• Organization: ShelfTrack shelving, $750 for this configuration, closetmaid.com for stores. Our Boot boxes, $9 each, containerstore.com. Our Shoe boxes, from $1.80 each,containerstore.com. Maize lined baskets, from $15 each, containerstore.com. Richards Homewares zippered bins, $8 each,stacksandstacks.com. Flat boxes, $24 each,archivalmethods.com.

New Coffee Table

Tonight I made the executive decision to get the coffee table I've been lusting after for 3 months.  Everytime I'm back home I go to see the table at Williams Sonoma Home and I tell myself I'm going to buy it.  Now it will finally be mine!

This picture doesn't do the table enough justice.  Come visit me and you can see for yourself!

Taylor Momsen Needs a Mother

Isn't Taylor Momsen underage?  Who allowed this?  This girl is on the fast track to become the next Lindsey Lohan.  Her mother is probably already best friends with Dina Lohan.

Why My Sister Needs to Have a Baby Before Next Halloween

WARNING:  You may be overwhelmed by cuteness overload

I think my favorite is the polar bear, but that little giraffe hat is so darn cute. These are all the masterful creations of Tom Arma, and they can actually be purchased online at Halloween Express.  

I can't wait until my sister has a baby so I can buy my little niece or nephew one of these. Get on it Megan.