Books
Fashion & Cooking’s Common Thread
I saw a copy of American Fashion Cookbook offered during a Gilt sale and although I currently have ample cookbooks, I had to have it! What could be better than perusing through recipes which have helped fuel the creative forces of some of the world’s most amazing fashion designers? My only qualm is that Katherine Kwei (my favorite handbag designer) is missing from this book. I’ve tried a few recipes from this book so far e.g. Saturday Night Chicken, Arroz Con Pollo, Sweet Potato Casserole etc. and really love them. Pick up a copy!
*Photocredit: NYCupcake
Comfort Food: A Selection of Traditional Recipes Like Your Grandma Used to Make
Thanks to my mother-in-law’s gift of a new recipe book, I am once again armed with an arsenal of great stuff to try =). So far I’ve made the Sausage & Tomato Stew and the Cheese & Spinach Lasagna. Both pretty tasty; and even better, simple to make! This is an absolutely wonderful book for any beginning chef and mother. Can’t go wrong with comfort recipes. Below is a picture of the book in question; however, I believe it depicts an earlier edition by Parragon Publishing than the one I own. I am planning for next week’s dinner menu… Pick up a copy!
*Photocredit: Amazon
Eccolo
As much as I am crazy about candles, I’m also an admirer of paper products, including pretty journals such as this one from Eccolo… Oh, and they also have the most darling Murano paperweights!
*Photocredit: Eccolo & Gilt
Capodimonte
Recently purchased the new Shabby Chic Interiors hardcover by Rachel Ashwell and fell in love with her vintage pale pink capodimonte jewelry box. I was on the search for something similar and found one just like it, but in pale blue. Unfortunately the seller forgot to end the listing since she gave this pretty box to her niece for her birthday… The situation was lame; I had my heart set on it already! Oh well, what can one do 
? Does anyone know what is the proper name for the style of capodimonte in the pic below (besides it being a “capodimonte”)? Could probably help in my search and I would appreciate some insight. If anyone knows, please post a comment. Thanks.
*Photocredit: Shabby Chic & Online Listing
First Attempt at Quiche Lorraine
This is my first attempt at making quiche. The recipe was pretty simple with easy to find ingredients. I really didn’t have to buy much this time. Recipe source: http://www.easy-french-food.com/print-quichelorraine.html. I’m normally not a bacon lover but this quiche was very tasty.
Glad to know based on what I’ve read from Alice Water’s The Art of Simple Food, that my pantry is basically well stocked minus risotto or polenta (though white rice probably counts). I’ve always wondered what a well stocked pantry should contain for starters. Of course, your family’s and cultural influences may play a big part in what’s important for you to include on this list. I’m fascinated to know what special treats people may keep in their pantry and why (especially those items not considered as basic pantry stock). Write me! I’m a little nosy 
… My decadent treat is condensed milk and I love love love tea of every kind- but especially green tea & brown rice, white chrysanthemum with honey, jasmine, and India Estate teas.
For now, I’m probably armed with the best cookbooks. You don’t necessarily need a library’s worth of cookbooks to make regular family meals. After seeing the movie Julie & Julia last night I’d like to make Child’s Beef Bourguignon along with Raspberry Bavarian Cream dessert. Before this little venture, I’m planning to make Braised Chicken Legs on egg noodles and sauteed fennel. I’ve made the Orange and Olive Salad last night from the aforementioned book and it was sooooo good! I lit up knowing that I had the ingredients at hand to make this on a whim.
Why this growing interest in culinary delights in this stage of my life?.. Contribute to all-around self-improvement… that if I’m to cook for an hour or two most days, I should make the most of my time… Oh, read some great books, try some new recipes with diligence and accuracy, learn along the way from my fizzles and small victories, and progress to the point where I can vary some recipes with confidence and customize it to my or my taster’s liking… The bigger picture… get the most out of life, what it has to offer, and never take things for granted (no more shoveling down food).
With this, I will close this post with a pic of Water’s book, my Quiche Lorraine, and a promise to share more photos of my gastronomic pursuits…
*Photocredit: Amazon
Recommended Readings
For a TRUE handbag lover who is especially interested in its history and evolution; this post is for you…
*Photocredit: Amazon
Books That No Fashionista Should Be Without
They are really wonderful to have- sort of like a fashion bible… Can you think of anything I missed? or a favorite you’d like to share?
The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia
The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman by Christian Dior
The Lucky Shopping Manual: Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece by Andrea Linett and Kim France
The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look by Kendall Farr
How to Be a Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less by Kathryn Finney
In Style: Secrets of Style: The Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Every Day by Lisa Arbetter
Shop Your Closet: The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet with Style by Melanie Charlton Fascitelli
Lipstick: A Celebration of the World’s Favorite Cosmetic by Jessica Pallingston
*Photocredit: Amazon
3191 A Year of Mornings
I ordered this book by Maria Alexandra Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes just this morning and can’t wait until it arrives! I’ve only been able to see a very small portion of the pictures but I know from the little I’ve seen that it’s very special and will probably remain in my permanent collection. The concepts are simple, peaceful, delightful. It’s probably a book I would turn to for comfort on a gloomy day.
http://www.3191ayearofmornings.com/
http://3191.visualblogging.com/
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is my favorite children’s book as an adult. My parents did their best to care for my sister and I but there were no bedtime stories. It’s almost impossible to catch up. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have a decent sized Olivia collection of books and stuffed animals, etc. The limited edition FAO Swartz stuffed Opera Doll still eludes me; it’s an on-going search that’s been on-and-off for nearly two years now (sort of like the 1998 large 12 inch tall stuffed pink polka-dotted elephant from The Island of Misfit Toys). My opera doll figurine will have to suffice for now.
*Photocredit: Amazon.com
Artist Michael Sowa
I started to take interest in his work before beginning this blog so I almost forgot to mention him. He is one of my favorite contemporary artists to the point where I’ve decorated my study with his artwork. He was featured in my #1 movie “Amelie” starring Audrey Tatou and Mathieu Kassovitz. I have been thinking about his artwork recently. My brother-in-law bought me “The Little King December” (by Axel Hacke, illustrated by Michael Sowa) off my Christmas wishlist. I also attempted to find an iPhone compatible download of “Amelie” but was met with disappointment =(. Without further adieu…
*Photocredit: Amazon.com, Michael Sowa, “Amelie” Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
