Kate Spade's New Kitchen Collection

A while back, I did a post on Kate Spade's home collection, which I absolutely loved. I was cruising the Kate Spade website last week and they've just launch a new kitchen collection that is absolutely adorable!

Naturally, the colors are classic Kate Spade, bright and cheery, which is a nice change from most stainless steel kitchen items. Has anyone purchased anything from the new collection? I'd love to hear some feedback about the quality of the pots and bakeware.

Tea Kettle // Green Pot // Glass Canister // Cookie Cutters // Pancake Set
Blue Pot // Blue Loaf Pan // Big Striped Canister // Skinny Striped Canister // Pitcher

Pins for Thought 1.4

10 bags that will always be "In" via Snob Essentials

A dining room I adore designed by Ashley Whittaker

A cider donut recipe that is perfect for a fall party via Domestikated Life

A decadent party set in a gilded ball room..what's not to love

(Image Credit)

The perfect snack for football Sundays via Made From Pinterest

The most glam image of Jacqueline de Ribes

In love with this cuff from Hannah Ferguson. Thank you Kim Schlegel Whitman for sharing.

The prettiest apple tarts via Platings and Pairings

Top Picks from Kate Spade Home

Sofa // Rug // Flask
Pendant Light // Place Setting // Flatware // Champagne Coupes 
Green Chair // Lamp // Vase // Pink Chair

Kate Spade announced an expanded home line earlier this month and it's absolutely fabulous! They added some great additions to its popular tabletop section and debuted some gorgeous furniture. My absolute favorite is the pink chair. 

The full home collection is coming this spring but they currently have 60 items for sale on the Kate Spade website. You can also shop the collection in person at these select Kate Spade stores. 

If It's Not Moving, Monogram It?

Actress Reese Witherspoon once said, "If it's not moving, monogram it." I agree with that statement but only up to a point. When Witherspoon said that she monograms everything, I'm pretty sure she was talking about her silver and fine linens, not plastic drink cups and koozies.

I have always liked monograms but not on everything. When someone walks into your home, they shouldn't immediately be able to spot ten monogrammed items in your living room. The same goes for your clothing and accessories. No need to break out the monogrammed hat, top, tote and matching plastic cup all in the same day. Actually, ditch the monogrammed plastic cup all together. 

But enough about what I don't like. Let's get into the monograms that I do like. Below are some of my favorite monogramed items for both home and fashion. 

Blue Tray // Soap // Napkins // Copper Tray

Leather Diary // Watch Box // Bathrobe

Travel Bag Set // Pewter Flask // Leather Tote

Tennis Racquet Holder // Earrings // Cufflinks // Wine Caddy

If you're unsure of what your monogram should be, Mark & Graham have a great guide that details traditional monogramming etiquette.

I'm interested to know your thoughts on monograms. Would you monogram everything you own if given the chance or do you save the family monogram for just a few special items?

Easter Breakfast Recipe Ideas

A big breakfast on Easter Sunday is a tradition in my family, as it gives us some time to catch up and enjoying a relaxing meal (most of us are still in our PJ's) before we all head to my grandmother's for a late afternoon lunch with extended family.

These are some of my favorite breakfast recipe ideas for large Easter Sunday:

Citrus Platter // Blueberries 'n Cream Danish Braid // Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter

Fresh Berry Bruschetta // Smoked Salmon Waffles // Eggs Benedict Bake

Spinach-Gruyere Gateau de Crepes // Brie & Mushroom Breakfast Strata // Challah French Toast

Candied Bacon // Potato Galette with Smoked Salmon // Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cashmere Care & Storage

Spring is officially here and it's time to start packing away the heavy winter clothes, including the cashmere sweaters, scarves and knits. Many years ago my sister bought me a beautiful cashmere dress at a sample sale and I made the mistake of not storing it properly over the spring/summer season and when I pulled it out in the fall it had several tiny moth holes in it. I never made that mistake again.

These are my tips for cleaning and storing cashmere:

• Before storing cashmere away, it's best to wash it before hand. Sweat, perfume and stains can increase the likelihood of getting moths. Most cashmere labels will say "dry clean only" but I try and avoid the cleaners for two reasons. One: It's expensive! and Two: Consistently using chemicals to clean cashmere isn't good for it. Domestic maven Martha Stewart recommends hand washing cashmere (see directions) but I don't always have the time for that (who does?). Instead I place all my knits and delicate items into the washer and, using gentle Woolite detergent, wash the items on the "hand wash" cycle, which takes about 20 minutes. 
• Post wash, I lay each items between two towels and gently press down to remove any excess water. Don't try and wring them out, it can stretch them out.
• Now it's drying time! Some people use a clothing rack to dry cashmere but I prefer placing everything out on a table so that the sweater keeps its correct shape. If you don't have the space for that, try using a pop up sweater rack. It's small, inexpensive and you can place it on the floor if you don't have room anywhere else. 
• If your cashmere has a few wrinkles post-dry, you can use a steamer or gentle iron to remove them. I don't own a steamer so I lay out my sweaters on a towel and set the iron to wool (sadly there isn't a cashmere setting on my iron). If you're really concerned about using too much heat, place the cashmere underneath a towel and then place the iron on top of it.
• Cashmere is known to pill (it's totally normal) so a fuzz removing is always good to have around to remove anything after washing and drying. I like this one from The Container Store because it has three blade choices to use for different fabrics. 
• When storing cashmere away for the season, the key is to have something airtight to place it in. I use Container Store bins because I can stack them on top of each other in the back of my closet. If you prefer bags, try these ones from The Container Store. 
• Like most people, I hate the chemical smell of moth balls and moth repellent so I place several cedar blocks inside each bin to help keep the moths away. I gently fold each sweater and place a couple of blocks in between them as I place then in the bins.
• Once you've got everything packed up, place your bags or bins in a cool, dry place. No damp basements or hot attic storage spaces because this only helps to attract moths. I keep mine in back of my closet where it will stay dark and cool over the summer.

Gentle Woolite Detergent // Pop Up Sweater Dryer // Sweater Bags

Fuzz Remover // Sweater Bins // Cedar Blocks

Once we've got all the cashmere put away, it will be time to bring out the spring/summer wardrobe. I can't wait to break out my sundresses and espadrilles!

Sweets for Your Sweetheart This Valentine's Day

Whether your Valentine is your significant other, best friend or your Mom, everyone can appreciate something sweet on February 14. These are some of my favorite Valentine's Day treats that are perfect to have after dinner, package and share with friends and family, bring to a party or even enjoy in bed.

Sugar Cookies // Red Velvet Fudge // Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

Nutella & Strawberry French Toast // Cabernet Chocolate Truffles

Reeses Peanut Butter Cookies  // Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cake // Linzer Heart Cookies

Raspberry Mousse Pie // Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Pops

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Be Better

My Favorite Superbowl Game Snacks

The big game is just around the corner, and yes, this girly fashionista is most definitely going to be watching. And it's not just because my hometown team, the New England Patriots, are in it this year. I actually enjoy football. A lot! Just don't count on me to be wearing a game jersey. I have never been a fan of those pink jersey's that they make for girls, so I'll be sticking with my skinny jeans, cashmere sweaters and booties, thank you very much.

OK, this post is suppose to be about food, not fashion, so back to the game time snacks. It isn't Super Bowl Sunday without the snacks so I wanted to round up my favorite recipes that are perfect for this weekend, whether you're hosting a party or bringing something over to a friends house. Click through at the bottom for the full recipe.

Guacamole // Peanut Butter Brownies // Queso Fundido

Sweet & Spicy Peanuts // Grilled Flatbread with Chorizo & Peppers // Sugar Cookie Bars

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies // Buffalo Wings // German Soft Pretzel Sticks

Salty Pretzel Vanilla Carmel Corn // Buffalo & Blue Cheese Lit’l Smokies // Spicy Chicken Sandwiches

Go Patriots!!

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Dominate & Conquer

Thursday Night Cocktail: Boozed Up Hot Chocolate

Recipe and Image via Nigella Lawson

Makes Two Drinks

Ingredients

2 cups milk

3 1/2 ounces best-quality dark chocolate, bittersweet or semisweet, as preferred

1 cinnamon stick

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons dark rum, or to taste

Directions

Put the milk into a saucepan and break the chocolate into pieces and add to the milk along with a cinnamon stick, honey, and sugar and heat gently until the chocolate is melted.

Add the vanilla and mix with a small hand whisk and still whisking, add a spoonful of the rum first and taste to see if you want more. Add more sugar if you want this sweeter, too. Take out the cinnamon stick and pour into 2 cappuccino or caffe latte cups.



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Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Get Out There

Thursday Night Cocktail: Champs-Élysées Cocktail

Recipe & Image via Saveur

It's been a while since my last Thursday Night Cocktail post because my focus for the new FC has been on fashion and beauty. But you know what? Fashion and beauty peeps deserve drinks, too! So Thursday Night Cocktails are back on! Tune in each Thursday for fun drink recipes for all.

Ingredients

 

1 oz. brandy
½ oz. yellow Chartreuse
½ oz. lemon juice
½ tsp. superfine sugar or simple syrup
1 dash bitters
Strip of lemon zest, for garnish

Directions

 

Shake all ingredients together in an ice-filled cocktail shaker; strain into a well-chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon zest.

 

 

Cheers!

Festive Christmas Eve Cocktails

The Christmas holiday is finally here! It's time to kick off the celebrations with a fun festive cocktail to enjoy with family and friends.

These are some great cocktail recipes to get the Christmas festivities started.

Sparkling Spiced Mulled Cider Cocktail // Fizzy Cranberry Ginger Pear Cocktails 

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Martini // Cranberry Punch Pizzazz // Cider Jack Cocktails

Classic Eggnog //  Peppermint Patty // Winter Dreams Cocktail

Baileys & Amaretto Hot-Tails // Mulled Wine

Cheers!

Easy Christmas Morning Breakfast Recipes

Every Christmas morning, my family gathers at my parents house to exchange presents and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Preparing breakfast for 11 people is no small feat, especially when there are kids running around and everyone is gathering by the tree to open presents, but my Mom has her system down pat, and it's all about the prep.

The key to a great Christmas breakfast without spending your morning in the kitchen is choosing recipes that allow you to get most, if not all, of the prep done the day before. These are some great recipe options that you can start the afternoon before, keep in the fridge overnight and pop in the oven on Christmas morning just in time for breakfast.

The gingerbread muffins can actually be baked and glazed the day before. Just cover them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh for the next morning. I highly recommend the French Toast Bread Pudding from Ina Garten. This easy recipe has been a  breakfast and brunch staple of my Mom's for years and it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Fresh Fruit Baked Oatmeal // French Toast Bread Pudding // Cowboy Quiche
Gingerbread Muffins with Lemon Glaze // Parmesan Hash Brown Cups // Very Berry Fruit Salad
 

Holiday Cookie Guide Part Three

With Hanukkah starting tonight and Christmas less than a week away, the holiday season is ramping and more cookies are needed! The second half of December is like a mad dash to the finish line and everyone deserves a cookie break.

For Part Three of my Holiday Cookie Guide (See One and Two), I wanted to have a mix of my all time favorites, like Peanut Butter Blossoms, with some new recipes that I'm trying this year, like the Chocolate Powder Puff Cookies (how can I have not thought of that combo!).

I hope you have enjoyed the Holiday Cookie Guide posts. If you read FC regularly, you know that I don't do a ton of posts on cooking and baking, but I have really enjoyed making them, so if you would like to see more recipe round-ups, leave me a note in the comments.

Chocolate Cherry Dips // Chocolate Powder Puff Cookies // Bake & Slice Chocolate Swirls 

Salted Chocolate-Caramel Rounds // Peanut Butter Blossoms // New England Hermits

Peppermint Shortbread // Almond Joy Macaroons // Hazelnut-Chocolate Sandwiches

Holiday Cookie Guide Part Two

Time for part two of the Holiday Cookie Guide! You can view part one here.

My favorite holiday cookies in this guide are a mix of seasonally appropriate recipes, like the gingerbread and German spice cookies, and cookie recipes that are great all year round, like the peanut butter cookies dipped in chocolate and the citrus cookie, which I love anytime with a cup of tea.

What are your go-to holiday cookies? If you can, leave the recipe link in the comments below.

S’mores Cookie Sandwiches // Dried Cranberry and Chocolate Cookies // Cinnamon Spritz Sandwich Cookies 

Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies // Cinnamon Roll Cookies // Citrus Cookies

Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies // German Spice Cookies // Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Check back early next week for the final installment of the Holiday Cookie Guide. 

Holiday Cookie Guide Part One

I have a confession to make: I have been a very bad blogger this holiday season and neglected to create any holiday gift guides. In order to make up for this I decided to create a holiday guide for something that I love even more than gifts, and that's cookies!

Growing up, my Mom always attended an annual cookie swap where, a week before Christmas,  everyone meets up and brings two dozen of their favorite holiday cookies to share with the rest of the group. This way, each family has a variety of cookies to enjoy over Christmas. Of course in my house the cookie supply never lasted to Christmas Eve.

Whether you're making them for a swap, giving them as gifts or just enjoying them at home,    
holiday cookies are a great way to celebrate the season.  

These are some classic recipes to get you started on your holiday cookie making:

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Oatmeal Cookies // Peppermint Meringues // Hungarian Shortbread

Vanilla Bean Confetti Cookies //  Italian Rainbow Cookies // Eggnog Florentines

Eggnog Cookies //  Pecan Snowball Cookies // Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Check back later this week for part two of the holiday cookie guide!

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Eleanor Roosevelt

Alternatives to Pie This Thanksgiving

When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, pie is the most obvious choice, but I grew up with an Italian grandmother that served more desserts than side dishes on Thanksgiving day, so pie was just the tip of the iceberg. 

Keeping with my grandmother's tradition, I wanted to round up some festive non-pie dessert options to serve this Thanksgiving. 

Pumpkin Cake Cheesecake via Sally's Baking Addiction

Pumpkin Pecan Ginger Snap Ice Cream via Saveur