Spiral Style: January 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Prabal Gurung for Target

February 10 launches the Prabal Gurung collection at Target.

Prices range from $19.99 - $199.99 with most pieces being in the $40 price range.

Take a peek.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to Adopt an Olive Tree in Italy

Did you ever want to possess your own piece of Italy? Maybe you can't swing a villa but how about an olive tree with the perk of olive oil from your own tree (along with others from the grove). Nudo Adopt a tree program will let you do just that.

This is the olive grove where my tree is growing. My tree profile states that it is a Leccino varietal, 22 years old and the oil tasting notes say, "grass and herbs with a peppery finish".

A tree adoption makes a fabulous gift. My tree was a Christmas present and that's how I learned about Nudo. I received a packet from Italy with the adoption papers and directions for viewing photos of my tree on line.

The adoption is for one year and I will receive a year's supply of oil and a discount on other products that are available online such as pasta, chocolate spreads and tapenades.

This could be a clever Valentine's Day gift...and olive oil is Heart Healthy.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Bits and Bobs and a Bag

On a gray winter day, a little something pretty would lift my spirits

Bits and Bobs by spiralstyle

Fringe handbag / Leather watch / Pendant jewelry / Jewelry / Cluster earrings / Monogram jewelry / Sparkle jewelry / Belt / Hair accessory

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

'Too hot to handle' hobo

I am loving this feminine nude/pink color handbag from Marc by Marc Jacobs. This little number could make my heart sing until spring arrives.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Monday Inspiration

It's Monday. Are you ready for a new week?

Source: google.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: middlechildcomplex.tumblr.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: habituallychic.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Have a great day

Friday, January 25, 2013

TGIF Cocktail: The Aviation

This is for everyone who had to travel by plane this week, for business or pleasure.

Let's face it, flying isn't much fun.

Will my bag fit in the overhead bin? Take off your shoes. Flight delays. Not enough leg room. Ugh! Well there's a drink for that. It's called The Aviation.

This classic gin drink was created in 1917 when flying was glamorous and people dressed up to fly. Wow, what a concept! Three simple ingredients make up The Aviation.

2 ounces of gin
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice

1 teaspoon crème de violette is classic but not necessary

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake for 10 seconds and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with cherry or lemon slice.

Hubby is strictly a beer and wine guy but gave this a try. His comment, "this is not a girlie drink". So there you have it. Don't wait for a layover at the airport to try this drink, why not try The Aviation tonight?

Thursday, January 24, 2013

What's Blooming

I don't know about you but I MUST have fresh blooms in my house. Even though everything is gray outside, I need something alive and colorful inside. I don't spend a lot for my flowers and usually purchase them at the grocery store. I also look for something that will last more than a week. This week I could have purchased beautiful tulips but they are too much of a tease right now, knowing that we have several more months of winter to go.

Just two stems make this arrangement: a protea and an orchid branch.

I picked up this orchid at the grocery store. Just 3 ice cubes a week is all the attention I give the plant and they last for weeks if not months.

I love this pretty coral color.

Rather than looking at an ugly pot, I placed the orchid in a glass cylinder and filled in the space with pebbles and moss.

My rosemary topiary is over a year old. It must like this location because it has produced delicate purple flowers.

I've lamented in previous posts about my poor luck getting geraniums to bloom in the summer. For some strange reason, I seem to have better luck indoors in the winter!

What flowers or plants do you like in your house?

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Overnight Breakfast

How would you like to stay in bed a few minutes longer AND wake up to a hot breakfast?

my photo recipe from Bon Appetit

By taking a few minutes to prepare the night before, you can do just that.

This is how the ingredients looked in the morning without the addition of sweetener or nuts.

The Bon Appetit recipe calls for a combination of steel-cut oats and quinoa but other combos of grains can be used. Just follow the ratio of 1 cup grains to 4 cups water. Place the grains and water in a pot with salt, cinnamon, raisins and dried fruit. Bring all to a boil, cover the pot and turn off the heat. Now go to bed.

In the morning, just heat up the pot for a few minutes to heat the already cooked grains. The raisins and dried fruit have swelled and sweetened the grains. You may want to add some maple syrup or other sweetener. Toasted walnuts, pecans, almond or pistachios add a lovely crunch and a few more pieces of dried fruit contribute a chewy contrast to the crunch. Now you are ready to face the day. Enjoy. And unless your family ate it all up...you'll have enough for another day or two.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Clarisonic Review

After dropping lots of hints, Santa brought me a Clarisonic. I had been investigating this sonic skin cleansing system and decided that it would be a good idea.

At over 300 sonic movements per second, the system "cleanses, softens and smooths skin in just 60 seconds per day". The manufacturer claims that it removes 6X as much makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than manual cleansing. Cleaner skin allows for better absorption of serums and other products. I find that my skin feels extremely clean and smooth after using the Clarisonic each evening.

The Clarisonic is waterproof so it can be used in the shower or bathtub. Brush heads need to be removed and thoroughly rinsed once a week and replaced every 3 months. The Clarisonic Mia 2 is the idea size for travel and comes with a travel case. A charge will last for 24 minutes of use which is probably enough of a charge to last for most trips.

The Clarisonic website sells several types of cleansers but I've found that Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser is gentle and thorough and does not leave my skin dry.

If you've thought about trying a Clarisonic Cleansing System, I would highly recommend this product. This cleansing tool does just that, leaves you with clean skin.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Monday Musings

Happy Monday

my photo

It is very cold here in Michigan and a large "au lait" would be most welcome this morning.

my photo

My favorite latte bowls are the ones from Anthropologie.

I spent a good portion of the weekend tending to my computer. I deleted over 2,000 photos (gasp!) and upgraded my operating system. I discovered a problem I didn't know I had which is frustrating but I can work around it, for now.

I freshened up the looks by using a new photo for my screen saver both on the computer and my iphone. It makes me smile to see a photo that brings back happy memories of a fun event.

Now I'm ready for a new week. Hope you are too.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Weekend Ideas

Are you ready for the weekend?

I am. Not that I have any big plans but just having a change from the weekday schedule is nice. Have you noticed that the days are getting "longer"? That is always a promising sign when the temperatures are below freezing, you know it won't last forever.

If you'd like some really decadent comfort food, I would suggest these outrageously good potatoes. Yukon gold and sweet potatoes are combined with cream and gruyere cheese along with a medley of fragrant herbs. Heaven! Here is the recipe.

Last week I saw Les Misérables. Maybe this week Argo. Have you seen many of the Academy Award nominees for best picture?

C. Wonder New Additions by spiralstyle

Maybe a little online shopping? C. Wonder just announced some new arrivals.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend. Enjoy and have fun.
See you on Monday.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

More Paris Doors

I have posted before about my fondness for French doors. I thought I share a few of my new favorites today. I would be happy living behind any one of these beautiful addresses.

Have a happy day.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Black and White

Black and white is a big fashion trend now and for spring. I love the clean, fresh look of black and white. It is so uncomplicated after a season of color and bling.