The Barefoot Contessa Brings Good Tidings for the Tummy

 

Ah, the Barefoot Contessa. I have already professed my love for you, stemming from one of my best friend's love for you. Admittedly, my dear N is still much more on the road to becoming the next BC than I am, but that doesn't make my admiration and desire to, well... be you... any less.

Today's episode featured "Festive Fun."

And all that really needs to be said as to why this particular episode grabbed my attention is the menu:

It's festive fun with the Barefoot Contessa who is throwing a dazzling holiday dinner party for friends. A luxurious Seafood Gratin of lobster, halibut and plump pink shrimp in a golden saffron sauce is served. To follow, there's a creamy Pumpkin Mousse then spicy Mulled Wine and festive s'mores stuffed with French Chocolate Bark round a burning brazier in the garden.

I have a particular affinity for mulled wine, as I first tried it on a cold, cozy night in Scotland while living there for a year. The house smelled like cinnamon and the wine was warm and oh so yummy.







As a little (ahem, HUGE) sidenote: When I sent a text to N telling her how fabulous the holiday BC episode was... THIS is what she sent me back.

That would be N, talking to the Barefoot Contessa! 

I wasn't there, but apparently this was the exchange:

N: "Basically, Barefoot Contessa... I love you."

Barefoot Contessa: "I hope you like the new book."

I love you too, BC!!!!

All I Want for Christmas Is... An Awesome Blog Giveaway Alert!

One of my favorite blogs I follow is giverslog. Especially at this time of year, it is a great resource for gift ideas that are thoughtful and creative. So I was thrilled to check it out today and see that there is a great giveaway going on:

 

Sometimes I don't realize how much I need something until I see it online and then can't stop thinking about it. That is what's going on now with this Silhouette digital cutting tool. 

What is it?

"The Silhouette SD is an electronic cutting tool that connects to your computer allowing you to cut fonts and images in cardstock, vinyl, heat transfer material, etc.

What can it make?

The Silhouette can be used to create scrapbooks, cards, home decor, custom apparel, school projects, glass etched projects, stencils, etc.

 LOVE THIS! I am daydreaming of all the amazing creations I could make with this machine.

Click here to enter and have a chance to win this fabulous Silhouette!

Lust List: November 2010

My tank tops haven't made it to winter storage yet, but even before Halloween, holiday decorations started popping up in retail stores. Depending on the source, the reasons for this are varied-- from a projected upswing in 2010 holiday sales to enticing bargain-savvy consumers with budget-friendly early bird deals. (Christmas in July, anyone?)

Who would fall for such a blatant ploy to encourage consumerism in this down economy?

I would, and I have.

Here are just some of the things on my radar at the moment:

Anything and everything turquoise! From Oh Joy!

It's time for my favorite-- Holiday Party Attire! Tory Burch

Unique Christmas gifts, from vintage to handmade: Etsy.com. For example...

I love this seller for simple and reasonably priced handmade jewelry. I purchased the necklace above on Etsy.

Customized self-inking address stamp, myrubberstamp (also on Etsy). 
About 1/3 of the price of PSA stamps, and just as pretty!

My decorations aren't up yet, but my wheels are already spinning... Coastal Living

Holiday Sets galore! "Beauty in a Box: Nars Junkie" $69 on Sephora.com

A plate of these for the party host... because during the holidays, calories don't count.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Sweet Pototo Cupcakes.

Fabulous new pieces from the Swelle Boutique

Anything and everything featured on this blog- I check it at least twice a day- swanky::chic::fete

 

Uber cute and a total indulgence at $345:

Balenciaga's LE 10th Anniversary "Mini Mini First" Keychain

Loving that my favorite magazines are starting to go digital... pictured here, Martha Stewart Living