ABSOLUT Folly - My Secret Santa Holiday Series

Ho! HO! HO!  Do I ever have a surprise for you (and kind of for me too)!  With the holidays shifting into full gear this week (in chronological order: Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year, etc), it appears I have a drunk elf Secret Santa stopping in as a guest blogger to deliver fabulous little gifts straight from the package store. Picking up from where my 'Drink of the Moment' series left off, I hope you enjoy this 'ABSOLUT Folly'.  Don't you just love holiday surprises?

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Well Hello!  I have the distinct pleasure of being a guest blogger for this fabulous blog, with my specialty: Absolut cocktails made with the most wonderful vodka in the world, Absolut Vodka.  The posts will be grouped by theme so let's get started right away!

For the first (well, ok, second - see Absolut Snowy Cranberry Martini) cocktail I would like to present the delicious Absolut Mistletoe!  To have the greatest impact, you may wish to fire up the bombastic version of Justin Bieber's Mistletoe.  Not required.  But fun!  After all, we are having fun, right?  Moreover, having your holiday honey at your side will give even more excitement to this lovely libation.  I may have had one too many already, but to you my favorite readers, you must know that Absolut Vodka flows constantly through my veins.  And arteries.    What were we talking about?  Ah yes, the Absolut Mistletoe!

Absolut Mistletoe
1 part Absolut Vodka
2 parts cranberry juice
1 part swanky glass, filled with ice
splash of fresh lime juice
splash of lemon-lime soda
garnish with a mint sprig

Sip it down, and steal a smooch!   Gâtez-vous, chers amis!

(Did I mention my name?  No?  Well how about this ... tell me about your experience with Absolut Mistletoe in the comments section, and I will consider it.  Maybe!)

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Drink of the Moment: Snowy Cranberry Martini

I don't know about you, but I can't keep up this holiday season!  Decking the halls, buying, wrapping, visiting, and this marathon cold I can't shake ... it can all get so overwhelming (and cause serious lapses between blog posts).  Thank goodness for good friends and good booze to help take that edge off all of that, as well as helping manage the added face-time with family too!  This week, my stunningly handsome and fabulously gifted friend Jeff has provided the inspiration for the 'Drink of the Moment'; one gift that will keep on giving.  I hope you enjoy!

Snowy Cranberry Martini   
2oz of your favorite vodka (I used Stoli) 
1 1/2 oz white cranberry juice
Splash of club soda or Perrier 
Lime wedge, fresh cranberries, & powdered sugar for garnish


Vigorously shake vodka and cranberry juice with ice in a shaker.  Pour into a glass rimmed with lime juice & powdered sugar (unless you have a better way to achieve the look of snow); top with a splash of club soda or Perrier.  Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedge.  Festive!


And for those of you who like a little variation on a theme ...

The Yellow Snowy Cranberry Martini
2oz of your favorite vodka (I used Stoli)
1oz white cranberry juice 
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Splash of club soda or Perrier
Lime wedge, fresh cranberries, & powdered sugar for garnish


Vigorously shake vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice with ice in a shaker.  Pour into a glass rimmed with lime juice & powdered sugar; top with a splash of club soda or Perrier.  Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedge.

If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to make sure you have a drink for every moment.

Over the River and Through the Woods; A Rugby Ralph Lauren Holiday

Even if you don't have to actually travel over any rivers, or through any woods to your Grandmother's house; we all have those family-oriented holiday gatherings where your sequin and tulle party dress doesn't fit the bill, yet you wouldn't be caught dead wearing a holiday sweater (or even worse, a holiday sweatshirt - ew).  So, what to wear that's still festive, family-appropriate, AND on trend?  Check out these cool pieces brought to us compliments of my friends at the Vogue Influencer Network from the Ralph Lauren Rugby holiday collection.

Long Pointelle Arm Warmers: The folks at Ralph Lauren are mad about pointelle, so they tailored open-worked knit arm warmers for super-chic results.

Wool-Angora Cardigan Coat: This heritage-inspired wool knit boasts a Fair Isle pattern at the oversize spread collar and hem. Although meant for the outdoors, you’ll find it has a special cozy-up-on-the-couch potential – all you need is a good book!

Penywern Cadet Jacket: Proudly giving a salute to chic military-inspired fashion with their Ralph Lauren rendition of the cadet jacket, featuring crest-embosses buttons, a banded collar and requisite epaulets in a tailored feminine silhouette.

Satin & Shearling Trapper Hat: Brave the cold in this super-chic satin and shearling trapper hat—a favorite style to keep you warm and winter-blues free.

So what do you think?  I think my favorite thing has to be that once you're done at 'Grandmother's house', each of these pieces will also work overtime to redefine that sequin and tulle number you have ready to hit the town, and keep you warm doing it.  Want to check out the entire Rugby Ralph Laurent Collection?  Click right on over to the site here, to keep those warm fuzzies going!

If you like what you see, let me know!  Click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

Happy Headcold ... er, I Mean Holidays!

The holidays are here, and how do I know this?  Might it be all of the hustling and bustling?  The light-up renegade reindeer that take over the town?  The social calendar bursting at the seams?  No, I know it's the holidays because I have come down yet again with my annual holiday head cold which makes me feel like my head is inside one of those bells that are ringing incessantly joyfully on high.  In the interest of spreading some holiday cheer though (instead of snot and bad karma), I thought I would share a little soup recipe that has me curled up and purring on the couch with a smile.  In full disclosure I should throw it out there that even though I am a self-proclaimed soup junkie, I did not make this soup myself, nor have I ever made this soup myself.  Apparently I am so pathetic that on every occasion I've had it, it has been fully due to Jay's efforts to ensure that I don't become a miserable bitch grinch.  He is a good man, and seems to know that the gift of a good soup will go far in benefiting my well-being, and subsequently, his as well.  So, here's to holiday colds, good soup, and the way they manage to point out the true gifts in our lives.  I hope you enjoy!

Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup 

Ingredients

• 
  4 whole heads of garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium onions, chopped 
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup to 1 cup heavy cream (per your preference)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F; line a small baking sheet with foil. Use a sharp knife to cut about 1/4 inch off top of each garlic  head. Place garlic cut side up on baking sheet and drizzle olive oil over heads. Roast garlic until softened, about 45 minutes. Allow to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, squeeze soft cooked pulp from each clove into a small bowl. (You should have about 1/2 cup soft garlic pulp.)  Note:  We prefer to roast the garlic in peeled, separated cloves for convenience & exceptional garlic dipping oil for later. 

2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and 1 tsp. each salt and pepper and cook, stirring often,until onions have softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in thyme (though fresh works best for flavor, dried can also be substituted successfully) and reserved garlic. Sprinkle in flour. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, to incorporate flour. Pour in chicken broth and cream, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Boil rapidly, stirring often, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and puree soup with an immersion blender in the pot, or in batches with a food processor, or blender. Return to pot, if applicable, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Season with salt and pepper and garnish with thyme. 

P.S. - That garlic infused olive oil that is left in your roasting pan?  It's kind of like the stocking stuffer to the whole soup thing.  (Jay really is a genius sometimes).  I highly recommend topping it with a dash of crushed red pepper flakes and enjoying it with some rosemary foccacia bread alongside your soup. :) 

  

   

Get Gorgeous this Holiday with a Gift List from QVC

Well folks, it's Cyber Monday, and after making it through all of the plates of turkey and hoards of aggro black Friday shoppers you can now just sit back, relax, and hardly have to lift a finger to get everything you need to fulfill your holiday gift list this year.  Whether you need some help in the giving department for one of those 'hard to buy for' ladies on your list, or if you're feeling a little lost when it comes to the receiving department and have no idea what to include on your own wish list as requested from a special someone; Vogue Influencers has brought in some help from QVC's Lisa Robertson.  Lisa has put together a list of her top holiday gift picks that allow you to participate in all of the joy without all of the craziness - most coming in at less than $100.  So what are you waiting for?  Scroll on down and start your clicking, or head on over to QVC.com.  Happy shopping!

1. Mally 10-piece Deluxe Automatic Waterproof Liner Collection

Mally Beauty Evercolor Automatic Waterproof Eyeliners have a long-wearing formula that contains nourishing and conditioning ingredients. For a really cool trick, line the top lash line with the Onyx, then line that line with a colored pencil. It's a subtle peep of color.

2. bareMinerals Box of Gems 20-piece Color Collection

A 20-piece collection of stunning eye and lip shades. Experience the ultimate in luxury with 10 new eye colors and 10 high-shine lip glosses that will drizzle lips in pure color. Tip: For a jewel-toned look, pair Gem and Glow eye colors--and deepen and smoke out even more with the Twinkle shade.

3. Judith Ripka Sterling Hematite Doublet Ring

A rich, deep, cushion-cut synthetic blue quartz doublet rests above a section of hematite in this mesmerizing ring. A sterling silver twisted-rope border accents the gemstone, while four heart-shaped prongs sparkle with a Diamonique® simulated diamond in the center of each.

4. Melania Madison Avenue Bold Case Bracelet Watch

As glamorous and show-stopping as New York City itself. Clear, round crystals on the connecting links of this bracelet watch are sure to attract attention, while the bold face with its mother-of-pearl dial is a classic finishing touch.

5. Nadri Micro Pave' Criss Cross Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Eternally elegant. With four bands crafted into a crisscross design and encrusted with micro-pave-style round, clear crystals on the front, this highly polished silvertone bracelet is sure to create a lasting look.

6. Dennis Basso Button Front Ruffle Collar Coat with Rosette Detail

Everything's coming up rosettes. This gorgeous fully lined, button-front coat will warm up your outlook. Ruffle details, in-seam pockets, and a cloth rosette on the collar help this stunning outerwear piece rise to the top.

7. ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! 2 Ply Cashmere V-Neck Boyfriend Cardi

Wear this boyfriend cardigan over a simple tee paired with your favorite jeans, and accessorize it with anything from a scarf to an extra-long necklace.

8. Michael Dawkins Sterling Signature Pod Small Earrings 

Small in size, but big on stylish impact, these free-form pod earrings are ideal for every day wear and special occasions. The earrings have a seamless silhouette.

If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  Know it first, see it first, hear it first.

Drink of the Moment: Thanksgiving 2011 Spiced Pear Perfection

Thanksgiving is only four days away, and thank goodness because I can't wait to have a legit reason to enjoy a few of what I have decided will be my signature Thanksgiving cocktail this year.  You may remember a few weeks ago I mentioned that I was trying to sort out a spiced pear cocktail for the fall (you can revisit that previous 'Drink of the Moment' post here if you'd like), but was not having much luck finding perfection.  As things would often have it, it turns out that I was looking too hard to find something that was right in front of my face the whole time, and in this particular case the simplicity of it's perfection is almost shocking.  The flavors should prove to be quite complimentary with the traditional Thanksgiving meal, and the 80 proof should assist in successfully surviving a houseful of family members.

Spiced Pear Perfection

1 part Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
3 parts Pear Juice
Dash of ground cinnamon (I used Saigon Cinnamon)
Dash of ground nutmeg
Dash of ground cloves

Pour rum into your selected glass (I used a martini glass for a better photo, but would recommend a highball glass or the like).  Shake in spices to your taste - if you don't have each of these spices separately, you might give pumpkin pie spice a whirl.  Top with pear juice.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick or if you're feeling exceptionally motivated, rim with a cinnamon sugar mix.


Happy Thanksgiving!

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A Salute

Though I'm a little behind the curve on getting this post up, I didn't want to let this Veteran's Day weekend pass without a nod to all of our veteran's.  My own veteran here at home found this yesterday, and I think it speaks for itself.