The Kitten Lounge is a lifestyle blog that brings the best in entertainment, fashion, beauty and style together. Kimmie presents various options from behind the scenes events to trips to some of her favorite showrooms that carry amazing pieces. As a former model, Internet personality and someone that just enjoys style in general, her site provides daily tidbits!
Today is Saturday, November 21, 2009
I was a huge fan of Dynasty, Falcon Crest and Hotel because it was the 80's and when the women in these shows meant business, they had the power suits with the fab shoulder pads. Thankfully, the idea of the power suit has changed as professions aren't the same - our look doesn't need to be one that is a two piece. One of my favorite looks is this long sleeve tunic dress which is a must for the fall/winter season. Paired with a super cute pair of boots all you need to do is find some fun accessories. Here lately, green has been a color that I have been including within a lot of my outfits. I've been obsessed with Siman Tu ever since I happened to walk by a shop on the Upper East Side that carried some pieces. This bib necklace has always been a classic but has been on trend over the last few season and I expect it to continue. This look can be completed with this gorgeous Amethyst and Agate ring! The large cocktail ring is a must and if you want to really bring this outfit to another level, I would pair this with a belt whether it's a wide one or a thin one that you can wear at an angle.
Did anyone get caught in the random rain that caught us off guard yesterday (ok maybe it didn't take you off guard but the day started out so pretty)? This weather is all about layers or finding the right way to wear fall when it's not to chilly and yet not so warm anymore. I just purchased the grey version of this ruched sweater and I LOVE it. It has a nice look, the perfect neckline and can be dressed up. I too wore a cute scarf and paired it with one of my lariat necklaces; however, this piece from Virgins, Saints and Angels is the perfect compliment. I love how ornate it looks and the line has been one that I have followed over the past few years. A gorgeous necklace deserves to be paired with an awesome ring. I love that this wrapped ring definitely assists you in getting your point across (if you talk with your hands extensively, you'll enjoy this added look) and of course - pair this with jeans. I love my Hudson jeans that are in this dark wash with a faded look. Whether you pair this with heels or ballet flats it has such an easy look that you're always perfectly dressed!
You know that beyond talking fashion, I love keeping you updated on what's going on with my friends who are in the industry! Tasty Morsels Bakery has had a lot of success this past year and the year isn't even over! I feel so fortunate that in many ways, when founder and cookie baker extraordinaire, Crystal Horton and I had a chance to sit down and really learn about one another that I was able to learn about her business from the beginning. Since then, I've seen the cookies appear in the goodie bag for the Brooklyn Cancer Society's Pink and Black Tie Gala hosted by Stacy London, she was apart of Bust's Craftacular in Brooklyn and she was one of the personalities that appeared on the episode of the web based reality show, To Be a Star where she served as one of my friends in the industry who sat with some of the aspiring models in the show due to them winning this time with us.
Of course it was this same day that we bumped into @Aronado after we had finished shooting and somehow the three of us came up with the idea that he should interview her on his show StartUp Lucky which talks with those starting up their own businesses. Crystal is not only someone who has combined her love of fashion and baking but she's also done something that I'm super proud of. She has embraced Social Media and although she is learning the ropes and treading carefully, I love the fact that she is integrating this into her plans! You all know that I'm a huge advocate and I love that you'll see her out there sending tweets via @Tasty_Morsels Bakery. Watch this interview where @Aronado does what he does best - chatting it up and of course, I'm also throwing in my two cents as I play co-host! It was such a good time and if you have yet to enjoy her cookies, your holiday isn't complete without having them and since we have just signed off from summer - we're definitely in fall/holiday mode which is perfect for gifting! Of course you can always check out my friends and more by following me @Cocoabebe.
We all know that the September issue is the most important one of the entire year. Even with ad sales being down by about a third, it's still very much so anticipated. This year, we have all been able to see a lot more of Ms Anna Wintour and this fall, there is a movie that goes behind the scenes and to the Editor in Chief herself to learn more about her and her vision for Vogue. This launches August 28th with a full release Sept 11th! Check our the trailer for The September Issue!
I love this time of year! Although I am resting from coming back from Atlantic City last night, I am still hard at work thinking about the holiday season and so I wanted to share two of my favorite things with you! First off, I am a fan of Crate and Barrel - I love that they have so many pieces that so eye catching that you feel they must be in your home! In addition, who doesn't love a gift from Crate and Barrel? In addition, I love cookbooks! Here are some great cookbooks that are perfect for this wintery season and all the holidays. These are great dishes that could be made with friends and can be given as gifts. Don't forget the cookie book that has been included as well - a great way to gift your office, doorman, etc! Take some time to check out these books and of course they have a lot more of these availabe online and in stores as well!
Happy Halloween everybody - what are your plans? First, everyone can say a virtual Happy Bithday to my sister who is turning 27 tomorrow (she's growing up so fast sniff sniff)! She will be heading to Japan tomorrow and expect to see some guest posts from her as she captures Japan and brings it back for us to enjoy! Tonight, I am going to head down to Atlantic City where we will eat at PF Changs (I loved this back home), we are staying at the Tropicana, we will hit a few clubs at the hotel (I am going as a Geisha), and then I am so excited about the fact that I will wake up to yummie room service in the morning, a spa at BlueMercury for a Coconut Sugar Body Wrap and lunch at Carmines! This is going to be a great Halloween and I can't wait to send you all the details and to let you know everything that happened. Our fearless Food Editor, Paul will send reports from the Poker Tables!
But we all have plans tonight right now, lets think about what's going on today! I love this super cute site which has amazing goodies for Halloween and just to let you know, this is also great to give as gifts for house warming parties, dinners and so much more. I love that this is great for Halloween and these items will work well right through the end of Nov as it perfect for the fall! Someone Spoil Me. The site is super cute and this is a Must Bookmark! Check out their lineup of gifts after checking out items that I love! They definitely make shopping easier by pulling the best from the Internet and putting it one space.
I am a huge candle person and much like I change my decor to match the season, I do the same with my scents. I have been a Yankee Candle Company girl since my first college apartment! So this morning as I see the most gorgeous sky ever compared to yesterdays windy and then horribly rainy day, I began to think about the aromas that must be used within our condo during the fall season (anytime between now and Thanksgiving - then of course you have to change again). Fall reminds me of crisp air, crunchy leaves, warm beverages and so much more. So here are some ideas that you may know of and those that you never thought of! Happy Sunday and can you believe that this will be the last week of Oct??
I have to say that I am in love with B Makowsky! They have super cute bags that we should all tote around as the fall is without a doubt upon us. I love these bags as they are perfect for the season, who wouldn't love the caramels and the yellows which are perfect hues to have year around. I love the leathers and the hardware that make these pieces conversation worthy as they see you coming and going. We all need stylish pieces while also making sure that it's affordable. In that case, make sure that you take a peek at Zappos which has various bags in styles and colors that are perfect to fill out your wardrobe! Take some time to also check out other pieces and of course a few pair of shoes that will be perfect for fall, the holidays and any other occassion that seems appropriate!
With help from Sandra Lee, star of Semi-Homemade Cooking on the Food Network, throwing a Halloween Celebration doesn’t have to be a frightening experience. Just use Sandra’s “Semi-Homemade” rescue plan: Combine ready made ingredients with a few creative twists to make crowd-pleasing dishes that demand only a fraction of the time, energy and patience. With all the tricks and treats that Sandra has up her sleeve, you’ll be done before you can say hocus pocus!
Below are Sandra’s super easy ideas for a “Midnight Soiree” from her new books: Semi-Homemade Desserts 2 and Semi-Homemade Fast-Fix Family Favorites. Follow these quick and simple tricks to deliver dinner in half the time, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your Vampire Kiss Martini with your guests!
First up, creative Oozing Potatoes served on waffle fries with sour cream and olives and Spooky Punch for a refreshing lemon-lime treat. Then there’s a crowd favorite, Screamin’ Macaroni and Cheese baked to perfection with bread crumbs and butter, embellished with broccoli florets. Next, sweeten up with Swiss Orange Chocolate Truffles and Crunchy Doughnut Eyeballs, melted and coated with chocolate and food coloring to resemble spooky veins! For the grand finale cocktail, serve a Vampire Kiss Martini, chilled and garnished with licorice, wax teeth and candy corn.
Midnight Soiree Menu:
Oozing Potatoes Screamin’ Macaroni and Cheese Vampire Kiss Martini Scary Ice Spooky Punch Crunchy Doughnut Eyeballs Swiss Orange Chocolate Truffles
Ideas for a Ghouly and Glamourous Tablescape:
A classic black, white and metallic silver tablescape design is ghouly and glamorous! Glowing mercury glass candlesticks show off the soft sheens of silver for an evening that is one to remember. Increase the sparkle even more with glass plates, black goblets, and ornate silverware. Rolled and tied sheets of music add to the theme, while gold votive candles in bubble glass holders cast a romantic moon-like glow over each place setting.
Spooky Place cards:
A personal note makes a thoughtful keepsake place card. Fold pieces of black-and-white scrapbook paper in half and personalize a Halloween message to each guest – perhaps a short riddle or an inspiring thought for the evening. For a final flourish, thread black satin ribbons through the hole-punched tops and gently tie them around pages of rolled-up sheet music.
For more unique Semi-Homemade recipes, don’t forget to tune in to the Food Network to see Sandra portray some of the greatest Queens of all time in her new Halloween episode, “Halloween Queens” on Semi-Homemade Cooking, on October 26, 2008 at noon EST/PT and again on October 27, 2008 at 4pm EST/PT.
Sandra will surely cast her Semi-Homemade spell over you!
Semi-Homemade Desserts 2
Swiss Orange Chocolate Truffles
Prep 25 minutesChill 2 hours
Makes 22 (1-tablespoon) truffles
1package (10-ounce) dark chocolate chips, Nestlé® Chocolatier
3⁄4cup whipping cream
3tablespoons orange juice concentrate, Minute Maid®
2teaspoons grated orange zest (optional)
2teaspoons pure orange extract, McCormick®
3tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, Hershey’s®
Grated orange zest (optional)
1.Place chocolate chips in a medium bowl; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine whipping cream and orange juice concentrate; cook over medium heat just until boiling. Pour cream mixture over chocolate chips; use a rubber spatula to stir until smooth. Stir in orange zest (optional) and orange extract. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
2.Pour cocoa powder into a pie plate. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the chocolate mixture; using slightly wet hands, form into a ball. Roll ball in cocoa powder to coat entire ball and place on ungreased baking sheet. Repeat to make 22 truffles, rinsing hands when mixture becomes too sticky to roll. Chill until ready to serve. Sprinkle with grated orange zest (optional).
To store: Place truffles in an airtight container. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week or in freezer for up to 3 months.
Semi-Homemade Fast-Fix Family Favorites
Oozing Potatoes
Prep 15 minutesBake 18 minutesMakes 4 servings
1⁄2bag (22-ounce) frozen waffle fries, Ore-Ida®
1can (16-ounce) refried black beans, Rosarita®
1cup Mexican cheese blend, Kraft®
1⁄2cup mild chunky salsa, Pace®
1⁄2cup dairy sour cream, Knudsen®
1can (21⁄4-ounce) sliced black olives, drained, Early California®
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil; set aside. Arrange waffle fries in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave black beans on high heat setting (100 percent power) for 4 to 6 minutes.
3. To assemble, evenly space waffle fries on a microwave-safe plate. Top each with 1 tablespoon beans and a sprinkle of cheese. Microwave on high heat setting (100 percent power) for 1 minute or until cheese is melted. Top each stack with 1 teaspoon salsa, 1 teaspoon sour cream, and an olive slice.
Spooky Punch
Prep 5 minutesMakes about 2 quarts
1can (12-ounce) frozen cranberry concentrate
31⁄2cups fresh orange juice, Minute Maid®
1liter lemon-lime soda
1. In a pitcher, combine cranberry concentrate, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda. Serve in glasses over ice.
Scary Icee
Prep 5 minutesMakes 6 servings
1can (12-ounce) frozen lemonade mix concentrate
2tablespoons packaged lemon gelatin mix, Jell-O®
1tablespoon granulated sugar, C&H®
Ice
1. In a blender, cover and pulse lemonade, gelatin, and sugar. Add ice to almost fill blender. Cover and continue to pulse until ice is crushed. Pour into glasses and serve.
1. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper. Cut 1⁄8-inch-thick slices from 2 opposite sides of each doughnut hole.
2. Melt white morsels and vegetable shortening in top of double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in microwave.
3. Working with one doughnut hole at a time, use a fork to dip into melted morsels mixture to coat. Lift coated doughnut holes from coating, shaking excess melted morsels mixture back into bowl. Place coated doughnut holes, one cut side down, on prepared cookie sheet.
4. Place jellied candies on top of doughnuts. Dab chocolate candies with some of remaining melted morsels mixture and press onto jellied candies. Chill in refrigerator for 10 minutes or until coating is set.
5. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of remaining melted morsels mixture and 2 drops of food coloring. Using toothpick, paint colored morsels mixture on doughnut eyeballs to resemble veins. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
This fall season, eating well and staying on budget is easy with help from SandraLee, star of Semi-Homemade Cooking on the Food Network. The oft proclaimed “Queen of Quick” offers practical tips in her new cookbook Semi-Homemade Money Savings Mealsthat heighten the flavor of food while reducing the prep and cost. It all adds up to more choice and more meals for less time and money, which you can now use to buy shoes. Too good to be true!
So turn over a “new leaf” this month and follow Sandra’s 70/30 philosophy; Mix 70% quality prepackaged foods with 30% fresh ingredients, add a dash of your own creativity and cook up a meal that’s 100% fast and fabulous! Check out a mini-menu from Sandra that transforms supermarket staples into a simple, flavor packed meal for the well-heeled girl on the go.
First up, inventive Early Peas and Haricots Verts in Garlic Herb Sauce, seasoned to taste and coated with a savory garlic herb sauce. Then there’s Herb Butter Roasted Turkey, which is not only healthy but can be transformed into a lavish leftover with peppercorns and sage. Next, sweeten up with Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie drizzled with caramel sauce. Then it’s cocktail time with a Cherries Jubilee Cocktail served over ice with a splash of color.
SandraLee’s Quick-Fix Fall Menu
*All recipes from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Money-Saving Meals
Appetizer
Early Peas and Haricots Verts in Garlic Herb Sauce
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Let piecrust thaw for 10 minutes. Prick the bottom and sides of crust with a fork. Bake on a baking sheet in preheated oven for 8 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, prepare sweet potatoes as directed on package. Mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter. Stir in sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, bourbon, and pumpkin spice; pour into pie shell. Leaving pie on baking sheet, bake for 10 minutes.
3. Reduce oven to 350 degrees F and continue baking for 50 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted 1 inch off-center comes away clean. Cool for 2 hours before slicing. Drizzle individual slices with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted pecans (optional).
Early Peas and Haricots Verts in Garlic Herb Sauce
Prep 15 minutes
Makes 12 servings
1 bag (16-ounce) frozen haricots verts (green beans), C&W®
1 bag (16-ounce) frozen early harvest peas, C&W®
1 tablespoon water
4 strips bacon, chopped
1 cup slivered red onions
11⁄4 cups half-and-half or light cream
1⁄4 cup cognac
1 packet (1.6-ounce) garlic herb sauce mix, Knorr®
Salt and black pepper
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine frozen green beans and peas. Add the water; cover and heat on high setting (100 percent power) for 8 to 10 minutes or just until vegetables are tender, stirring once.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, brown chopped bacon. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the pan. Add slivered onions; cook until softened. Add half-and-half and cognac to saucepan; whisk in dry garlic herb sauce mix. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, until thickened.
3. Drain green beans and peas. Add to pan with sauce; stir to coat vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cherries Jubilee Cocktail
Start to Finish 5 minutes
Makes 2 servings
Ice
4 shots vanilla vodka, Smirnoff®
2 shots cherry brandy, Kirschwasser®
Lemon-lime soda, Sprite®
Maraschino cherries, Mezzetta®
Lemon and/or lime slices (optional)
1. Fill two cocktail glasses with ice. Pour 2 shots vodka and 1 shot cherry brandy over ice in each glass; stir. Top with lemon-lime soda. Garnish with cherries. Add lemon and/or lime slices (optional).
Herb Butter-Roasted Turkey meal 1
Prep 30 minutes Roast 4 hours
Chill 15 minutes Makes 12 servings
Turkey’s lean protein is so healthy, you’ll want to eat turkey every night. Roast it with herbs for Sunday dinner, then simmer with peppercorns and sage dumplings for a savory stew. Go for three by creaming it with cheese, butter, and bacon in an open-face Mornay.
11⁄2 sticks (3⁄4 cup) butter, softened
2 tablespoons garlic herb sauce mix, Knorr®
11⁄2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, McCormick®
11⁄2 teaspoons crushed garlic, Gourmet Garden®
1 bag (32-ounce) celery and carrot party sticks, Ready Pac®
3 packets (0.75 ounce each) fresh poultry herb blend (sage, thyme, and rosemary), Herb Thyme®
1 lemon, thickly sliced
1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic herb sauce mix, poultry seasoning, and crushed garlic. Use a fork to stir together until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes or until butter mixture is firm but not hard.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. In the bottom of a roasting pan, arrange celery and carrot party sticks and half of the diced onions. Add chicken broth; set aside.
3. Rinse the thawed turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin around the entire bird. Chop the butter mixture into small pieces. Place half of the butter pieces under the skin of the turkey. Rub the remaining butter pieces on the outside of the skin. Season inside and outside of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff turkey cavity with remaining onions, fresh herbs, and lemon slices. (Truss if desired.) Insert a pop-up thermometer at an angle (about 3 inches down from the neck cavity and 2 inches from the breast bone).
4. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack over the vegetables in the roasting pan. Place in preheated oven and reduce temperature to 325 degrees F.
5. Roast for 1 hour. Then, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes, continue roasting about 3 hours more or until thermometer pops up or an instant-read thermometer inserted into the inside thigh muscle registers 180 degrees F.
This morning as I walked out of my boyfriend's balcony on his condo, I realized that although there wasn't a chill in the air, the seasons were changing and with all the rain, there was a alot of fog. Instantly, I began thinking of all the warm elements that I like to infuse within my living spaces! So of course, the best way to begin adding items into the house, is to look online. After a review of some fun pieces from West Elm, this is a great way to generate some ideas for all of your areas in your home.
Oh the summer ends, fall is on the way and everyone gets into this massive baking/cooking kick. Somehow we think about having people come over so that everyone can enjoy great friends, food and drinks. Or many people think about baking/cooking in terms of possible gifts. Either way, it is always nice to freshen up what you have and to think about what is essential. Anthropologie is one of my favorite places when you think about items for the home and of course when the holidays come up, you know that you can count on them have to cute items that are perfect for presentations when they're on your table or to create great conversation when people watch you cooking with them. If you're all about color and a sense of the eclectic, this is perfect. Take some time to check out some of my favorites that will boost your kitchen, dining areas and of course - you.
People ask me what do you like to wear? What's your bag like? Well as I walk around with my transitional bag which I can't wait to sport my new bag which is one of the ones featured in today's gallery, I have to say that it takes so many components to make something perfect for me. It has to have a look where you definitely keep looking at it but at the same time, I don't like having super flashy hardware. Some of the bags featured here, would not be everyday bags but are definitely perfect for effect. I always like to carry large bags. Deciding what will stay home or come with me during the day is just too much stress. I love carrying my notepads, technology and sometimes I run around picking up a few things so I need room for whatever I will find along the way.
I was all about black bags and with the past few seasons I have gone to burgundy, various shades of cognac and caramel. I like to keep it fun. In addition, when it comes to pockets, they are a must. I need compartments for my compartments. Being a girl that's all about silver, I tend to sway towards brass embellishment and I am a HUGE fan of wider straps. The downfall of a big bag, skinny straps dig into your shoulder and it's uncomfortable and not very attractive.
With that being said, enjoy Kimmie's guide to that which is fall (DKNY, DVF, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Banana Republic and Cole Haan) and what you can expect to see me carrying or since my bday is around the corner, gifts of these types would definitely be accepted!
I love boots! I love i them in the winter and when you hit those long parts where you wonder if you can take another one of those grey days, there is solace in knowing that you have cute footwear! I am such a fan of these boots as it allows you to rock a number of looks by wearing these. Each one is good whether you're going for a sassy mood like the Magdalena, a casual and comfortable style as in the Rampo Boots or something that shows you kick ass and take names as in the Botkier boot! Either way there are so many fun options available that you'll be excited to know what look you're going for.
A few months ago, I was introduced to Spreegirl at an Editor's event and I have to say that since that time, I have been hooked on this super cute sleepwear brand. It has gone with me on a lot of trips with friends, meeting other designers and so much more. Spreegirl's philosophy is that you should be fashionable at all times and that it can be carried into bed time. I actually have a super cute gingham set that's a tank top and boy shorts much like the one the model is wearing in the picture. I love that it's super girly while having a bit of a spice in there too. In the end, it's a fun LA line that you should start introducing to your closets!
Fortunately, if you view the site, you can also get a sneak peek into what is available for this fall which is just as great as their spring and summer line as well. Take some time to check out the collection and if you're looking to purchase them, then you should check out such sites as Yandy.com and Revolver Clothing.
First off, Coutorture has an amazing segment that looks at amazing designs and pairs them with starfish. For example, looking at this beautiful dress, you can see a bit of the starfish on the right! If you love this gallery, you will want to visit Coutorture to see additional images that are apart of the "Three As Four for Starfish" Gallery. I love how seeing the two images together, generate a lot of similarities. Obviously, you can also enjoy other fashion shows and interesting editorials that they have created on their own! It's always nice to know that there is something fashionable going on and between visiting this site and seeing other blogs such as this that are apart of the community, you will never run short of getting your fix satisfied! These images are not only fashionable; however, it leads to something that will be introduced on The Kitten Lounge over the next few weeks!
As many of you know, I am all about style, entertainment and a great time as well. To this end, I want to introduce the component of travel. Throughout the next few weeks of the summer and going into Indian Summer/the fall, I will be taking you into places that are a car, plane or train ride away. We all have our favorite places to go to and sometimes with half day Fridays and extended weekends you want to go somewhere that you weren't aware of whether it is down the turnpike or in another state! I hope to bring you cute restaurants, boutiques and so much more. It will be like an ongoing travel guide of sorts which you can refer to no matter when you opt to go! If you have a place you would like to highlight, let me know as I am getting my Ame & Lulu bag packed for these great weekends!
You can't see every show but I love that being apart of the Coutorture Community, I am able to look back at a variety of the Fashion Show memories that have taken place. I am such a fan of dramatic coats and super cute dresses (if you saw me in Vegas at night, I was all about bringing in that Casino glam). I love the wow factor and I present to you the Zang Toi Fall Winter 2008 Fashion Show. After you see this show, check out Coutorture to see all the other great shows that are available - much better then fighting your way to the runways of the world.
Earlier this month, models presented Reem Acra's Pre Fall 2008 Collection. Courtesy of Yahoo and the AP, it's always great to see what evening gowns are on the horizon for next year. I love the regal look of these gowns and have a few favorites that I wouldn't mind having within my own collection (namely within the brown gown's design is absolutely beautiful)! For those that are a fan of this collection, you'll love seeing previews of what this designer has within the full collection.
We love hearing from you! Suggestions, ideas and thoughts are always welcome.
Please send all food related questions to Paul, spa and wellness items to Keren and all other queries to Kimmie.
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