Stocking Stuffers.

Can you guys believe Christmas is almost here? This month went by super fast, I feel like I still haven't gotten all my Christmas shopping done. I'm sure some of you are in my same boat...you've bought all the big gifts but need some ideas for stocking stuffers, small gifts, white elephant gifts, secret Santa gifts, etc. If you're in a rut, I compiled some picks of gifts I would like...which means the modern, fashionista in your life will love them too!

1. Spot On Leopard Robe
2. Le Mental Case
3. NARS Majella Lip Pencil
4. "Girls" Inspired Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Collection
5. Top Shop Croc Twist Lock Purse
6. Marc Jacobs Melts Phone Case
7. Bold Houndstooth Tights
8. Anthropologie Monogram Mug
9. Moda Luxe Clutch

Canelé.

Over the weekend, my friend Natalie and I decided to hit up one of the brunch spots on our list of restaurants we must go to, Canelé in Atwater Village. They open at 10am and the wait was already a bit long so while we were waiting, we walked across the street to a local farmer's market, which had the most delicious looking things. I was extremely tempted to start eating here.

But I had to control myself because we were off to brunch, which was crazy delicious. This place is know for their "egg in hole" and bowl of berries and créme fraiche. I'll have to come back for the berries, but the eggs were amazing! The French Toast was unfortunately nothing to write home about, but still a good basic brunch meal.

Egg in hole.

Cape.Cape.Cape.Cape.

Ooh baby I like it! Capes are on my current winter trend radar. They're out of the ordinary...not quite a peacoat, not quite a trench coat, not quite a cardigan. They can be paired so well boots, thigh high socks, and printed tights or leggings. I can't wait to rock this look this season...

1. H&M Cape $59.95
2. Asymmetrical Hooded Button Cape $24.95 (letsjourneyintofashion.com)
3. Cashmere Cape with Faux Fur $209.99 (ultimatefashionfix.com)

Donut Man.

Alright, so as many of you can see from previous posts, I have a growing obsession with donuts so when I heard about this place, Donut Man, I knew I had to try it. I heard a buzz about their strawberry donut so I went there already knowing what I was going to get, and it definitely did not disappoint! This is an iceberg of a donut, guys, and a little piece of donut heaven...

This thing is literally filled with what seems to be a whole bushel of strawberries and drizzled in a glaze that has the perfect amount of sweetness. And the powdered sugar on top just pulls it all together. It's served with a knife and fork, and trust me, you'll need them! Donut Man is on Route 66 on the road to the middle of nowhere, but its very much worth the visit.

Pumpkin French Toast.

I really, really love breakfast foods...I could eat it for lunch and dinner if I could! I love French toast especially, and because its fall I thought I could put a spin to it by making it with pumpkin puree. Guys, I don't like to brag about the foods I make, but this recipe turned out amazingly and I urge you all to try it just to have this flavor party in your mouths.

The recipe is super simple. I used a loaf of challah bread...I find that this bread is the perfect bread to use for French toast because it has a hint of sweetness to it, but you can use any bread you like. I found my challah at Trader Joe's. Be aware, using another type of bread that's not sweet will call for a tablespoon or two more of sugar.

This breakfast makes me happy, I hope you enjoy it too!

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 3 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground ginger
• Pinch of salt
• 1 loaf challah or bread of choice cut into 1 inch slices

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
2. If you're making a lot and want to keep the bread warm before serving, preheat oven to 200 degrees. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and transfer both to oven.
3. Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush surface with butter or vegetable oil. 
4. Place a slice of bread in the milk mixture allowing it to soak for a minute. Flip it over and allow to soak for another 30-40 seconds more.
5. Quickly place the soaked bread onto the griddle or skillet and cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
6. Transfer the French toast slice to the oven to keep warm and continue the same process with the rest of the bread slices.
7. Serve with warm maple syrup. 

(recipe courtesy of acozykitchen.com)

Halloween 2013.

I hope you guys all had a great Halloween! This year my boyfriend and I went as a sushi chef and sushi. I'm ALL about creative, original costumes rather than generic, store bought costumes. I made my ginger and wasabi headpiece out of felt and and for the sushi piece, I sewed an orange pillow case on a small rectangular pillow and drew some white lines on it with paint to resemble salmon. Seto's wearing a chef coat and a Japanese headband! Added chopsticks for effect ;)

Skin that's Close to Perfect.

I've been receiving some compliments lately on how good my skin looks and people have asked me what my secret is. Well, there's no secret, honestly...just a few products that I live by! I think a big mistake a lot of people make is paying for expensive products or treatments. Some treatments cost hundreds of dollars and some products go upwards of $300. But I'm all about the effectiveness of a product...just because it's expensive, doesn't mean its effective! Staying true to this, I like to use some products that are both affordable an super efficient. I like to splurge on some products, but others are simple staples. These are some products I think every girl (and man!) should have. 

From Top:

1. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer...............$8.............apply after using toner

2. Fresh Twilight Freshface Glow..................$36............apply after applying makeup for glow

3. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free Toner.............$16...........apply after washing face

4. Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Scrub......$6..........use twice a day

5. Smith's Rosebud Salve Balm...........................$8.............use on lips and on blemishes

6. Kiehl's Skin Tone Correcting BB Cream..........$37..........apply as foundation before applying makeup