Every Gal Needs a Little Sparkle...

My latest obsession carries some serious sparkle. The latest tote from Loft is a beautiful charcoal gray with rows of black sequins. I purchased one the day they came into the store and I've used it almost everyday since. I wear mine with leggings, these gray Uggs and an over-sized top and I've also worn it with one of my favorite LBD's and a long cardigan. This bag is great to dress-up or wear casual. I'll be carrying mine to coffee tomorrow at my favorite cafe in The Pearl District, Caffe Umbria. Visit the Loft and pick up a little sparkle for the winter.

Winter Comfort...

Winter is all about comfort, from what we wear, to what we eat and drink. Today I will sport my favorite Uggs when I head out to see a movie. A few days ago, my winter comfort came in the form of one of my favorite recipes: Poppy Seed Bread. Its one of the easiest recipes I have. So, for the gal on the go who wants to make a good impression when visiting family...I recommend this recipe. It makes 2 loaves......goes very well with hot chocolate....and a pair of Uggs.


POPPY SEED BREAD

3 cups of flour
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
2 tablespoons of poppy seeds
1 1/2 cups of milk
1 cup of vegetable or canola oil
3 eggs (I used egg beaters)
1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla

**********************************************************************************
Pre-heat oven to 325. The bread will cook for 55-65 minutes (take it out of the oven when the middle comes clean with a fork and the sides are a light golden brown)

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl and blend well. Add all liquids - mix- then add eggs and mix with a beater until well combined. Bake in 2 greased bread pans....and enjoy.

Fall's Favorites.....

Fall is the time of year when I look for the elegant but cozy in my life. Its is also football season, which I love so much. And I also have my season tickets to the Portland Ballet. As you can see, Fall is the time of year to mix all your passions in one season: the arts, sports, reading....and whatever else comes your way. The other day, I was discussing one of my all-time favorite films that I haven't seen in quite sometime: Love Story. And every autumn, I remind myself that I should rent it and every year I fail to do so. This year I ordered Love Story from Amazon. Its the combination of the east coast college atmosphere combined with Ali MacGraw's plaid skirts and boots that make me feel I should watch this film in the fall, in front of the fire (with a box of tissues!) There's just certain things in life that remind us of a certain time in our lives and some things just affect me more in the fall. I reflect a lot in the fall too. I think the fall foliage and the smell of jasmine that looms in the air cause me to analyze my life and reflect more. But for now, I'll just leave you with some of my favorite things. The photo frame above reminds me of something you would have found in the 20's. I love it on my black and tan marble kitchen counters. It adds elegance and simplicity to my kitchen. I just need to decide which photo to put in it. Audrey....well, she affects me no matter what season it is, but even more so in the fall. Maybe it was her fabulous wardrobe that gets me excited for cords and a simple black sweater or my ever loving LBD. Some of you tweeted about the pumpkin muffin recipe I posted earlier. I'm glad you enjoyed them. As I continue to search my files for another great recipe, don't forget to tweet me your favorite fall things and what you love the most...