Mask Mondays

Each Monday, I like to kick off the week with a mask. Not only is it great for your skin, but it's a treat that helps me look forward to Monday evenings.  I love the whole ritual.  Maybe you light some candles and take a soak, or even if it just forces you to lie still for a few minutes (hello, tissue mask), it's the perfect weekday indulgence!

 Tonight as I write, I'm wearing Jurlique's Herbal Recovery Mask.  Ideal for this crazy cold weather, this gel mask features exfoliating beads to slough any extra dry skin, plus vitamin E to protect against signs aging (always a good thing!) and environmental aggressors (aka everything in the city air).  While they say to leave it on for 10 minutes, I always like to add a few minutes to get a little extra oomph.  Twenty minutes later, my skin is ready to face another freezing day.

-MC-

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Kitchen Essentials

I was recently reading this and it got me thinking, what are my favorite kitchen accessories?  Here are 10 kitchen accessories I can't live without:

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KitchenAid Mixer - Honestly, how do people bake without this?  Available in a rainbow of colors with an array of attachments these mixers can do anything.

KitchenAid Pasta Attachment - I love fresh pasta, but the idea of making it was a little overwhelming.  Enter this wonder!  The three attachments let you effortlessly create angel hair, fettuccine, and sheets for lasagna, ravioli and more.  Obsessed.

Marble Rolling Pin - Another baking must-have.  The cool marble keeps dough from sticking too much, and the handles rotate on their own for easy use.  Plus I love how beautiful the natural marble is on the counter top.

Cuisinart Food Processor - A serious game-changer.  Sure, I don't mind chopping an onion from time to time, but this does the job more precise and about a million times faster.  Plus you can use it to grate cheese (hate that job!), make dough and even pull together quick dips and sauces.  (I use it for pesto constantly.)

OXO Food Containers - I'm a bit obsessed with these.  I put everything in theme - rice, pasta, cereal, coffee, sugar, flour, the list goes on.  The pop tops lock in moisture and are easy to stack inside the cabinet. 

Krups Coffee & Espresso Maker - As dedicated espresso drinkers, we use this gem daily, and I love the coffee pot option for company.

Nutrabullet - I was hot on the juicing-trend for a while, but then I read mixed messages about the real health benefits, not to mention the clean up.  We opted for the Nutrabullet since it's the best of both worlds - you're creating smoothies rather than just juices so you get the essential fiber, but the consistency is smooth and easy to drink.

Mini Food Grater - I use this cute little gadget all the time.  It's perfect for zesting, and I'm a huge zesting advocate.  I'd also imagine it would be great for creating perfect curls for chocolate...

Pizza Stone - We really like to make homemade pizza (this week was all about pepperoni and artichoke hearts with fra diavolo sauce), and pizza stones really do make a difference.  Since we can't seem to master the perfectly round pie, rectangular ones are a better fit.

Immersion Blender - This winter, we've been on a serious soup kick.  Oftentimes a recipe will ask that you blend a portion to give texture.  An immersion blender does the job of a traditional blender without the mess or the fear or spilling piping hot liquid - win-win.  

What are your favorites?

-MC-

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Designer Moment: Katie Ermilio

If there was ever a modern-classic girl, it would be Katie Ermilio.  Granddaughter of Grace Kelly's clothier, Katie Ermilio's namesake line is both streamlined and feminine.  Whether it's bold punchy jewel-tones or fresh pastels, each piece feels like something GK would approve.

Here are a few of my favorites across all her collections, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next!

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-MC-

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Sleeping Beauty

According to a recent article by the National Sleep Foundation, the key to achieving a great night's sleep is a relaxing atmosphere.  Here are a few ways to ensure your bedroom is positively dreamy:

1.  Soothing Hues.  Stick to a relaxing color palette.  Check on these for inspiration.

2. Reduce Noise.  We've struggled with a noisy neighbor for a while now, and a noise machine has literally been a life-saver.  Look for one that offers continuous play as well as a variety of sound options.  (White noise is an all-time fave.)   

3. Dim the lights.  The National Sleep Foundations recommends lowering the lights about an hour before bed to prep your body for sleep.  Look for lights with dimmer switches, opt blackout shades and try to limit, or if possible omit, the blue lights from cell phones.  Instead of using your iphone for your alarm, try a traditional clock which is as beautiful as it is functional.  Plus you won't be as tempted to check Instagram, again.  

4. and 5.  Bedding Matters.  Invest in a quality bedding, and not just a mattress and pillows, but linens too.  Is there anything better than crawling into bed with fresh, crisp sheets?  Here is your excuse to purchase those bedding sprays or room diffusers.  Look for soothing scents like lavender or chamomile and steer clear of energizing citrus (save those for the rest of the house).

6.  Cool It.  While it can be tempting to crank up the heat during the winter, you sleep better in a cool environment.  Lower the thermostat to approximately 67 degrees for optimal sleeping conditions.

Sweet Dreams!

-MC-

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Friday Finds

This week has been jam-packed with work, birthday celebrations and travel; these are the things that have caught my eye and will make you want to take pause:

- Having grown up with these guys, this made my week!  And honestly all I can think of is how their skin looks so great.

-Maybe this is a little crazy, but I read cookbooks like novels - in bed, over coffee - I just love them!  I recently ordered this one, and it came this week.  Needless to say, I can't wait to make everything, and I'm probably going to need a biscuit cutter.  Bring on brunch!

- Staten Island Chuck has me geared up for Spring, and obviously that makes we want these and these. 

- Home decor + obsessive zillow stalking = some of my favorite things.  This house is off-the-charts amazing!

-I've really trying to be good about washing all my makeup off at night (yes, even eye makeup).  I've rediscovered this gem and have fallen in love all over again.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

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MC Makes: Cinnamon Rolls

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My favorite way to keep the apartment warm during the chilliest winter days is to bake.  The apartment smells incredible and you get a sweet treat at the end - double win!  This past week while the wind howled and snow swirled outside, I whipped up a batch of cinnamon rolls inside.  I used this recipe but did tweak it ever so slightly to use less butter and sugar.  These are, admittedly, not the healthiest option out there, but it's all about moderation!  I made mine pretty small so that you could easily have two (ok, sometimes three!) pretty much guilt-free.  If you're considering these for brunch, definitely try this recipe from Joy of Cooking:

Beat 2 eggs

Add 3/4 c 105-115 degree water

Dissolve into this mixture: 1 package of active yeast

Let all ingredients rest refrigerated for 15 minutes.  

Meanwhile blend with a pastry blender:

-4 c sifted all purpose flour

-1 tsp salt

-2 tbsp sugar

- 1/2 c butter

In a large mixing bowl, make a ring of the blended flour.  Pour chilled yeast mixture into the center and work it gradually into the dry ingredients.  Knead until smooth, approximately 2 minutes.  Form a ball and rest it, covered, for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.  When the dough has double in bulk, roll into an oblong on a floured surface to the thickness of 1/4 inch.  

Spread it generously with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.  You can also add chopped nuts, raisins, citron or grated lemon or orange rind if desired.  Roll, taking care to create an even thickness.  Once the dough has been completely rolled, cut 1 inch slices and top with extra brown sugar.

Place each sliced roll in the bottom of a muffin tin (make sure tin is well greased) and let sit in a warm place for half hour.  Bake in a pre-heated oven (at 350 degrees) for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

Kitchen Crush

Image Source Above

I don't know about you, but when I watch a movie, I'm often struck by the set as much as the story, and no one does it better than Nancy Meyer with the gorgeous-beyond-gorgeous kitchen in It's Complicated.  Open and airy, yet warm and inviting, I love how she combines color and texture for a Southern California meets French Bistro look.  Needless to say, I want to move right in!  

Here are a few ways to channel the look:

Images: White Dishes - Glass Coffee Maker - Brass Pendant Lights - Meyer Lemon Tree - Simple White Dish Towels - Copper Kettle - White Ceramic Cake Plate - Wooden Bowl

-MC-

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Snow Day Essentials

If you're on the East Coast, chances are you were working from home today due to the weather aka Blizzard2015.  Check out these Snow Day Essentials for keeping warm in style.

1.  Moscow Mule Set - Perfect for a wintery cocktail post-working hours.  Love the copper details. 

2. Cozy Footwear - I'm obsessed with these ballet-flat inspired slippers.  (Can't find the link now, so let me know if you know where I can direct!)

3. Inspired Scents - Love, love, love Lafco candles!  This one combines sea mist, bergamot, cucumber and jasmine. 

4. Chunky Knit Throws - We always have one on-hand - the bigger, the cozier, the better!

Stay warm!

-MC-

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Friday (err, Saturday) Finds

Due to internet issues this week, this one is a little delayed, but better late than never!  Here is what's been happening:

- Currently obsessed with this Instagram account after reading this.

-Gearing up for mojito season and attempting to grow windowsill mint.  It's supposed to be heartier than other herbs (let's just say basil and oregano didn't fare so well...) and this has been a great reference. 

-Drooling over these and these and they are both on sale!

- On a bit of a cleaning spree and this makes it so much better.  Plant-derived ingredients + super yummy scent, sold. 

-Jumped back on the morning smoothie wagon.  This week we've been all about flaxseed and are adding it to everything.  A total super-food, flaxseed is supposed to reduce risk of heart disease, cancer and strokes.  Need more proof? Read up on all things flaxseed here.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

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Lip Service

As a major lip stain advocate (serious color impact + long lasting wear, what's not to like?), chapped lips are pretty much a given.  Combine stain usage with winter weather and it begins a cycle of dry, chapped lips, and not in an Angelina chapped sexy pout way.  To get my lips in shape for another round with bold stains, I turn to lip scrub.  I've tried a few before, but this natural one takes the cake.  Super easy, and not to mention completely yummy, this scrub is made from items you probably already have in your pantry.

How to make:

- Combine 1/2 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp coconut oil and 1/4 tsp sugar (granulated is likely best, but I used Sugar in the Raw and it worked fine)

- Mix well and apply to lips using your finger in a gentle, circular motion.  You want to pamper your lips, not cause further irritation!

- If you have time, leave the mixture on the lips for approximately 2 minutes and then remove with a damp cloth.

The coconut oil works it's magic once again - lips are left feeling ultra hydrated and ready to face another winter day in bold, beautiful color.

-MC-

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