{style} Cyber Monday Deals

Was trying my best not to go down the rabbit hole, but there are too many good deals out there, and plenty of stock left to totally disregard...

• M'oda 'Operandi has an additional 30% off some already discounted lush items. Use EXTRA30.
• J.Crew has over 500 items marked down by 40%, though some seem past season. Use MONDAY. The gift list for him is pretty good, too.
• Net-A-Porter has items reduced by 50%. Also, a lot of spring/summer items, for those of you in warmer climates.
• ASOS is offering 30% off everything with code, of course, BLESSED.
• & other stories has 50% off the important things - bags & shoes!
• 20% off site-wide on The Outnet.
• Tibi has an additional 15% off sale items. Doesn't seem like a lot, but the items are already marked significantly and AMAZING. I may or may not have the the bow jumpsuit in my cart. Or already purchased...]. Use CYBERMONDAY15.
• 30% off for those handsome men at Mr. Porter on selected items.
• Not a specific code or discount, but prices cut on most items at Nordstrom.
• And, not to forget, 40% off sale at Barney's. Their home section is key for gifting!

Some of my top picks:

XO.

{holidays} gift guide for him

Ok, now that we talked about what we want, let's talk shopping for the men in our lives. I have to say, I had it really easy growing up - my father is a music addict and all he ever wanted was CDs. There was a time that I would get a list of things to find, but since you could not find it anywhere, it turned into a gift card that he could explore with. I don't consider this lazy because it's something I knew he wanted, and something that always makes him happy. That IS the whole idea of gifting, isn't it?

So that was my foundation. And I have rarely needed to buy a guy in my life gifts as I usually ran away from them by the time the holidays came around. But what if you DO need to buy the special man in your life something? What if he has really good taste? And it's very specific? Or you just want to show him that you tried to surprise him with something that you think he'd appreciate?

Whether it's something small, something a bit fun, or something you both can enjoy, here's my roundup of dapper-approved items that will get you off the naughty list.

{holidays} gift guide for her

I really believed that I was an easy person to shop for - I like so many different things, how hard can it be! Then I realized, looking through someone else's eyes, that not having a very specific style can be hard for others to pin point if I would like it or not. And I buy things for myself all too often when I want them. 

I was gifted a gorgeous Smythson Passport Cover for my recent trip abroad and it's one of my favorite things I've been given in quite some time. It's something that I've always wanted and desired, but something I never would have thought to buy myself on my own. This is really a "duh" realization and so obvious, but this year I'm trying to think in those terms as much as possible for the holiday season. 

How about some Le Labo parfum that has been made right in front of you? Or a monogrammed zipper case for the soon-to-be bride? Or a pair of badass sneakers with a special someone's initials on them (cough, cough, hint, hint). As we in the Advertising realm would say, a little "surprise and delight"!

Obviously, there are always those gifts that are a bit more extravagant and special and you can never go wrong with a nice bag or some fanciful jewelry. But, especially with a sister who is going to be changing her name in the coming months, I'm adjusting my radar to gifts that are a bit more personalized and things that someone would maybe not consider on their own. 

What's on YOUR list this year?

{holidays} have a heart

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I truly dislike Valentine's Day. And I'm not saying that because I'm single. If Joseph Gordon Levitt fell from the sky, onto my couch, and we fell fastly in love before Friday [which would happen because I'm very lovable], I would still feel the same way. Maybe it has to do with all the cheesy pink shit...

Now that that is out of the way, what I do think girls should do on Valentine's Day, is take the time to treat themselves to something nice. Whether it's something as simple as a candle, something that I am not going to mention on here, or maybe a nice a splurge on some luxe lingerie [who said someone had to see it to wear it?], it's nice to think about yourself from time to time.

Here are some of my picks:

Little bit of sexy. Viktor and Rolf 'Flowerbomb' Eau de Parfum [my signature scent], Diptyque 'Mimosa' candle, Kiki de Montparnasse bra and brief [more budget friendly version here], Byredo Parfums 'La Tulipe' Eau de Parum.

More appropriate for public viewing. J.Crew Mint Spike Necklace [similar style here], LeiVanKash Black Onyx Haya Hand Cuff [yes, hand jewelry], 10 Crosby Derek Lam Embossed d'Orsay Flat, Elizabeth and James Python-Embossed Drawstring Backpack 

{photo diary} Banana Republic Holiday 2013 Presentation - Women

I know, I know, you are thinking that it is only July + it is too soon to think about Holiday.  BUT, what if I told you this holiday was going to be filled with shimmering metallic, layered animal prints + candy colored baubles?  

Banana Republic + Simon Kneen showcased their Holiday 2013 Presentation last week + they did not disappoint.  Season after season the brand has a way of keeping to their classic, tailored lines that consumers can come to expect, but always kick it up with simple surprises that delight + infiltrate the senses.  The cobalt leathers, bright jewels, leopard spots + knit beanies tell us one thing - start saving your money now!

photos: Robin West

Open For Joy now available online!

{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

{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

{holidays} Bumble

I don't usually share videos on here, but this one pulls at my heart strings.  My FAVORITE Christmas time movie is Rudolph, but most importantly, my favorite character is Bumble.  There's something about that big ole' guy that just makes me giddy.  So when I saw this Microsoft Phone commercial [which I have now watched like 20 times in 15 minutes], I nearly passed out with glee.  Not only is Bumble speed dating, but they brought back some of the standout toys from Misfit Land.

Ok, enough talking, just watch!

{happy 4th!}

Hope you are all enjoying your 4th of July with bbqs, sand, sun and fireworks!  Oh, and red + blue stripes!

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{in my kitchen} Nana's matzo meal pancakes

It makes me sad to say, but I don't remember my relationship with my Nana growing up, other than the memory of her matzo meal pancakes.  Yes, the final product was incredible, but it was more about the time I spent standing next to her in the kitchen, her arm around me and my hovering over the stove that I cherish now and think about every time I cook this delicious recipe on Passover.  It is even something that my mother and I now share together, though we tend to burn ourselves on the pan much more than she ever did...

It's our little way to create a new family tradition and make sure it's around for years to come.  Even though we are the ones making it now, we definitely still taste her love in them.

Nana's matzo meal pancakes

*1/2 cup matzo meal

*1 tbsp sugar 

*3/4 cup water to start

*3 eggs

*stainless steel pan

*butter for cooking 

First thing to remember is that it will take some time perfecting this.  You will need to add water often to keep the batter very thin.  The stainless steel pan is going to be key and the longer it's heated with butter batch after batch, the better they will be!

Mix the matzo meal, eggs, sugar and water.  Butter up your pan and start frying (this is how they looked after the 2nd batch).

DO NOT STACK.  Sprinkle sugar over each pancake immediately after removing from pan.  You can be fancy and use a fork, but what I love to do is roll them up and eat them with my hands while I cook more (that's how Nana taught me).

Photos: Robin West

{be my valentine}

I am not one for Valentine's Day, not since elementary school at least, but these DIY love notes are just too adorable to resist. dude...

images via

{instagram}

Happy 2012!!!

I have finally joined the rest of the world, purchasing an iPhone as a Xmas gift for myself, with Instagram being the first app installed, obviously.  As much as I love toting [more like lugging] my Digital XLR around, it's nice to be able to take quality photos from a phone.  Here are a few images from my first week.  Oh, and if you're on Instagram as well, you can find me at @RobinWest or on Webstagram!

Photos: Robin West

{happy holidays!}

Ok people, it's that time of the year where I disconnect from a few things and enjoy the company of friends, family & sleep. 

Looking back to a post that I created a year ago, I am happy to say that I stuck by my 2011 list of personal goals and am extremely happy with the outcome.  The first was the one that I struggle(d) with the most - not doing things/living in fear of failure - and not living in fear this year has helped me become extremely successful in the growth of my career, living on my own again and pulling positive people close to me to surround me in all aspects of life.  I am truly happy for the first time and I thank you all for being apart of this change, no matter how big or small!

Look forward to another amazing year with you!

 

These images are only wishful thinking, as NYC seems to be fighting Winter off with all it's got.

{happy Friday}

About 2 weeks ago I was very excited to decorate for the Holidays.... but, after coming up short in this initial motivation, it's nowhere near what I was hoping for.  I did manage to get some pretty festive [and fuscia] ornaments on the table to brighten up my meals, with some other Christmas/Hanukkah-friendly items around the place.  Just no twinkling lights or Charlie Brown tree...

Photo: Robin West

{holiday gift guide} for the home

These are just a few items on my list for my apartment, which could be great ideas for your hostess or fellow design-afficienado!

1. Murray's Cheese - Spanish Sampler 

2. West Elm Tall Butler Tray Stand

3. Ikea birch Ribba frame [perfect for my PaperFashion print]

4. Crate & Barrel S'more Basket with handle

5. RugsUSA light green graphic rug

6. Maxine Clark pizza, calzone & foccaccia recipe book for my...

7. Oneida pizza stone

{holiday gift guide} spotted

Polka dots....studs....whatever the circular creation, I'm definitely seeing spots this Holiday!  Here's the first of this week's Holiday Wishlists....

1. Kate Spade Le Pavillion iPhone case 

2. West Elm Cluster Pendent light

3. Jonathan Adler Charade Studded Taper Vase

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hot Dot leather belt

5. On-The-Spot gloves

6. Madewell spotted snowfall sweater

7. Zara Studded Shopper

8. Halleh 18-karat gold diamond embellished earrings

{top of the rock}

Rockefeller Center is a beautiful backdrop during the Holidays.

Photo: Robin West

{hot cocoa} peppermint surprise

One of my favorite sections in HomeGoods is the kitchen appliances/pantry items because you never know what great things you will come across.  Last visit I was able to get Melville's Peppermint Flavoring Spoons to kick my hot cocoa up a notch. Along with steamed milk, this little peppermint dose is the perfect winter acquaintance. 

Photos: Robin West

{Happy Thanksgiving}

Each Thanksgiving Day, besides over indulging in food, I always start my morning watching Laurel and Hardy's March of the Wooden Soldiers.  I'm not sure why it's played on this day, but I look forward Stan's expressions & Toyland every year [the bogeymen seem less & less scary as the years go by].

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{from me to me} J.Crew gifting

Yes J.Crew, this is something I can get behind!