{what's in my bag} NYE

While I have no idea what I will be wearing this evening [other than the obvious sparkle-appropriate attire], I DO know what non-glamourous items will be stuffed into my clutch to beat the freezing temperatures + possible hangover. 

vintage snakeskin clutch, french macaron pill case for aspirin [obvious reasons], chapstick + Eucerin hand cream for the freezing temps, bobby pins to hold up the 'do in the wind, lips by NARS + mirror for easy touchups, and some extra bling... it IS New Years Eve after all!

Photo: Robin West

{2012} a look back

It's amazing how quickly time seems to go by as we get older.  This past year has had a lot of change for me, both by choice + surprise, but I am overall in an amazing place to start the new year right.  I decided to look back at my blog + what I shared the last 12 months, and picked out a few of my favorite moments from the 3 areas that seem to be the most important on here...

{style}

{good eats}

{in my kitchen}

So a few things for the next year:

• remember how much better you are at anything when you don't allow fear to get the best of you.
• remember that you deserve only the best.
• remember that while you can't control the events around you, you CAN control the way you react to them.
• remember that all good things are worth the wait.
• remember to allow yourself to feel.

Now that that is all said, I'm off to take advantage of the holidays and some time off.  Cheers to you and yours, and see you in 2013!!

{beauty} face-ing reality

The term "with age comes wisdom" means more + more as you get older.  When you come to reach your 30's, you realize that while you never hesitate to spend money on shoes, bags, clothes, etc, that you should have the same habit for your face [it IS the first thing people see after all].  You also realize all the damage you did in your 20's that you can now see around your eyes.  You know, drinking, late nights without removing makeup + putting on lotion, smoking [shame on all of us], not wearing SPF unless on sand... the list goes on.

My friend turned me onto Dr. Jart+ around the time I started investing in some good NARSskin products [before 29 I just used body lotion on my face to save money] + I can genuinely tell how much better my face looks.  NARSskin aqua gel is my go-to skin quencher during the day with some magic work from the Dr. Jart+ bb creme + the rest of the Dr. Jart+ line is my go-to partner in crime while I sleep.  With a little StriVectin eye cream for some extra prevention, of course.

What's in your medicine cabinet?

You can find Dr. Jart+ at Sephora and NARSskin here

photos: Robin West

{in my kitchen} potato latkes

Ok, so the first time I tried making latkes last year I failed miserably.  I don't remember exactly what went wrong [probably didn't get enough water out of the potato?], but they just weren't 'right'.  I mean, my dad ate them, but as I told him, he'd eat anything.  I figured there's not time like the present and since it is Hanukkah after all, I decided to try a different type of pancake in my life other than Bisquick.  I haven't had them in awhile so it's hard to perfect the taste, but I am happy to say there were sooo edible.

I found this recipe + just doubled it [+ tweaked slightly] it as I was going to bring in the goods to work if I was successful.

• 2/3 cup of potatoes, grated
• 1/4-1/2 onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• Salt + freshly ground pepper
• Vegetable oil
• Olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Add some olive oil + onion to saucepan + cook until golden brown.  Season with a pinch of salt + pepper and put to the side.

After grating the potatoes, you want to get out as much of the water as possible. Whether you wring it out in a towel, or wring out small amounts in a paper towel, wring away.  Put in a bowl and fold in the flower, onions and salt + pepper.  Add in the yolk, mix until evenly combine + then add parsley.

Drizzle vegetable oil to your pan, and once hot, add a spoonful [choose the amount you prefer] of the potato mixture to the pan + flatten with a spatula.  Cook 2-3 minutes/until golden brown [I always cook a little extra when dealing with a mixture that involves egg].  Flip + repeat.  Remove from heat + place on paper towels to cool.

Top with your choice of goodies - apple sauce for dessert, sour cream for a savory snack, or smoked salmon for a perfect breakfast.

Mazel!

photos: Robin West

{style} lazy, comfy, easy

This past Thanksgiving I chose the road less traveled [for me, anyway] + went for comfort.  I usually end up wearing something 'pretty', finding myself struggling to finish the food on my place due to snug pants, a too high belt or hair in my face struggling to avoid the gravy or pie I am shoving down my pie-hole.  This year was comfort, head to toe.

What's easier than sneakers that have their ties painted on?

H&M sweater (also seen here), Anne Klein scarf as headband, Kate Spade sunnies, vintage baubles, CK jeans, Converse All Stars

See more STYLE posts here

photos: Mama West

{oh snap} happenings in the city

photos: Robin West [find me @RobinWest]

{good eats} Five Leaves, Brooklyn

I have been in Queens for over a year now + somehow I have managed to never sit at Five Leaves in Greenpoint to experience all that it has to offer.  I had a staycation yesterday + unlike most days off, I took advantage of every second.  

If the table was larger, I probably would have ordered 1 of everything, but I made a more respectable choice of ordering the Grapefruit Brulee [which I would love to make for breakfast every. single. morning.] + the House Made Ricotta with figs, fresh thyme + honeycomb.  Not only were the dishes delicious, but the warm weather embracing me as I sat outside was pure joy.      

photos: Robin West