Glamorous Slippers

After a long day on my feet, I love to kick off my shoes and slide on some slippers. Daniel Green keeps me in cozy style this holiday season with their fabulous slippers. Whether I'm  lounging at home or out to run a quick errand, these slippers provide top-of-the-line design combined with supreme comfort and gorgeous style.

Daniel Green sent me a pair of their Glamour wedge slippers to take for a test drive and they're so comfortable. I love the wedge heel and the gold color. The don't look like the typical slipper! I would recommend sizing up in these. It felt like I was walking on air all day long!

I wore these on Thanksgiving day while I was cooking and entertaining and everyone wanted to know where they could get a pair for themselves.

With many of the slippers featuring indoor-outdoor soles for ultimate versatility, it’s a cinch to stay comfortable no matter what the destination. Even better, there’s a style for everyone on your holiday list this year:

Cozy print fleece lined Karoline quilted slippers are soft and padded. You can even wear them outdoors.

The leopard print linings of the traditional Kira moccasins are adorable and would make a perfect gift for your favorite fashionista.

For the girl who loves a pop of glam, the Jordyn is sure to be at the top of her list. These slippers are my girls' favorite pick, with shiny sequins at the top of the bootie.

Daniel Green is offering a special promotion now. Get 20% off everything with the code CYBER20. There's always free shipping and free returns, too.

Thanksgiving Tablescape

This year, we're hosting Thanksgiving at our house for 16 people. The girls and I have been busy bees today, preparing the tables and baking up a storm.

Two tables for 6 are set in the dining room and breakfast nook. Instead of place cards, I made Mayflower boats filled with M & M's.

tray

Zinnia napkin rings in bright orange are perfect for this festive fall holiday. Seasonal gourds on a pewter platter make a simple, yet elegant centerpiece for this table.

dinnerware / flatware /  stemware

A similar tablescape in the dining room welcomes Thanksgiving guests.

vintage pewter pheasants

Alexia and Natalia designed the table for the littlest guests. Alexia made an activity book with word search, mad libs, and more. Children will love to doodle and draw on the craft paper covered table and the fringes add a special touch, too.

Tomorrow, I'll be using three different crock pots to leave the oven space free for the turkey and rolls. Stay tuned for a few fabulous crock pot recipes that are perfect for large gatherings.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Best wishes.

Coffee Table Books

Are you looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Entertain and inspire your friends this year with the gift of a coffee table book. The beautiful images and glossy pages delight anyone who picks it up and will be treasured for years as a gift that will be seen every day.

When I compiled this list of coffee table books that are perfect for gift giving, I tried to choose books that are hot off the press, so it's unlikely that the recipient will already have a copy, even if you have similar taste.

Evoke images of luxury and travel with this book from the iconic brand Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury Updated Edition.

Channel your inner prep with Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style.

Celebrate the girls all dressed in white with the book Debutantes: When Glamour was Born.

Toast the new year a few weeks early with The Seasons of Veuve Clicquot: A Social Cookbook for All Celebrations.

Even the men will appreciate Power and Style: A World History of Politics and Dress.

How many people are on your gift list this year? 

Fashion after 40

Lately I've been thinking about the direction my life is taking and how that is affecting my blog. I am 41 years old and am loving life. Although I don't even want to attempt to pull off some of the looks I loved in my 20's and early 30's, I am constantly reminded that good quality and style are always in fashion.

Here are some thoughts about fashion after 40...

1. My style and taste remains very much the same it was a decade ago, except that the hemlines have gone down an inch or two.

2. It seems like some companies are targeting a younger and younger audience, but I have to wonder if this new target audience has the disposable income to spend $$$ on their styles.

3. I don't really care what anyone thinks anymore and am more willing to take a fashion risk. It's very refreshing.

4. Friends over 40 are honest. A decade ago, my friends told each other what they wanted to hear. Now, we're (brutally) honest, but we're also stronger than we used to be and are each others biggest champions. S/O to my peeps!

5. Chic knows no age limits.

Earlier this week, I styled my Charlene dress from Lilly Pulitzer in a different way that I loved. Paired with a yellow button down oxford shirt, the dress takes on twist and looks completely different than other ways that I have worn it. I completed the look with Frye boots and bracelets from knot:ical and Lilly Pulitzer.

House is in the Bag

A world where everyone has a decent place to live. 

Recently, I attended a unique fundraiser to benefit our local Habitat for Humanity. The House is in the Bag included a silent auction, a live auction and other special events. Handbags, totes, and other bags enticed bidders. This annual event supports the construction of a home in my community for a local resident. It's an excellent cause that I am proud to support.

I love the creative way that the bidding paddles were displayed.

The ball room sparkled with colorful decorations.

Every detail was perfect, from the Ethan Allen furniture that was staged in a lounge area to the purse cupcakes on the sweets table.

Quite a few live auction items tempted me at the event. Of course, the list included lots of Kate Spade, Fendi, Furla, and more! Little extra surprises like wine tastings, Disney tickets, and spa treatments were hidden inside each bag.

I took this beautiful salmon colored bag and bracelet home with me.

It was a perfect night!

Times Square Gem

Find a tropical paradise just a few steps away from Times Square. Havana Central is a restaurant gem that is tucked just a block away from Times Square on 46th Street. With music and entertainment that is reminiscent of Old Havana, you'll feel like you're in another world. Palm trees line the colorful walls and large overhead fans add ambiance. 

We started off our meal with some homemade empanadas. The chicken sofrito and 3 cheese empanadas were cooked to perfection and tasted so good with the mango salsa that was on the table. 

Our table was a delightful booth that felt like we were in a private club. 

The arroz con pollo was delicious tender chicken with saffron rice that was sprinkled with vegetables. As much as I tried to eat everything on my plate, I couldn't even begin to finish my meal that was served with a hearty portion of beans and only got through about half way through it. It was exquisite. 

If you're looking for a great option for pre-theater dining in New York you should check out Havana Central! 

Great Gifts Under $25

It's never too early to start shopping for holiday gifts! Whether you're shopping for friends, a gift exchange, or family members, you're probably going to want to find something in a moderate price range. I've curated a list of great gift ideas under $25.

Your favorite hostess will love the Lilly Pulitzer stemless wine glasses. Unbreakable glasses are always perfect for holiday entertaining or outdoor parties. $20

Jonathan Adler's Carnaby Zebra Stacking Dish is safari chic, matching any decor. Perfect for keys, rings, and other important things, the tray adds an elegant pop of color to a room. $24

Nordstrom offers a limited edition set from Philosophy for everyone on your gift list. The Merry Cherry Tidings includes a 3 in 1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath along with a tube of sweet smelling lip shine. $20

Elephants and pink? Treat your friend to a gorgeous pink and navy elephant scarf. Instantly boost a winter outfit with pretty pink! $15

Make unique signature drinks with a set of Cocktail Dice. Gather basic ingredients and roll the dice to create new favorites. $18

Shopping List
Stemless Wine Glasses * Philosophy Gift Set * Zebra Tray * Elephant Scarf * Cocktail Dice

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? 

"Wicked" Trip to NYC

The girls and I flew on our broomsticks on wheels to New York this weekend to see Wicked. Being close enough to take a quick trip to New York is incredible. There's no where else on earth like New York. Of course, we had to take the requisite photo in Times Square.

After much begging and persistence, I entered the race for Mother of the Year by spending way too much time in the 4 level Forever 21 store in Times Square. The girls love that store and were able to make their allowance dollars stretch quite far!

Mother Nature blessed us with good weather. We were able to walk everywhere! Here's a shot I captured en route to the theater.

My girls love the theater and have been seeing shows as long as I can remember. They know all of the songs from Broadway shows and we love to sing show tunes in the car.

Wicked is celebrating 10 years on Broadway and has so many special items on display and many items for sale. We skipped the green screen photo, but picked up some t-shirts from the show.

I loved the slushee drinks! My girls wondered why the "bewitched" drink cost so much more and I told them that it was because it had a secret potion in it. Ha!

The Gershwin Theater is relatively intimate compared to theaters like Radio City Music Hall and the Kennedy Center in DC and we had amazing seats! We were in the front row of the second orchestra section and could see everything perfectly. The special effects in the show are particularly amazing.

We're already thinking about what show to see next!

Stay tuned for more details about our trip including an incredible restaurant find you're going to want to try on your next trip.

Nautical Christmas Decor

Nautical decor is not just for the beach and can bring a little sunshine to any season. Even if it's 40 degrees outside your door, nautical details are always welcome. This year, I've been trying to wait to think about Christmas until a little bit before Thanksgiving, but the second I hear Christmas music in a store, I'm drawn into the holiday spirit.

Here's a little nautical inspiration for your holiday decorating scheme.

I love these pink polka dotted pelicans! Perched on green posts with a pink starfish accent, I'm half tempted to use this year round on a shelf!

Swap out wall hangings in a bar or kitchen with this red and green nautical touch that invites you to "Be Merry." It makes a fabulous statement piece for a holiday party.

Festooned with holiday lights and wreaths, little sailboats offer Christmas greetings. In Baltimore, I love to watch the Lighted Boat Parade in the Inner Harbor. You can see the boat parade this year on December 7!

An anchor is always a fun nautical choice.

Isn't the pink flamingo precious? I love it that she's wearing flip flops in the winter, just like me!

Do you like nautical decorations for Christmas or do you tend to incorporate a more traditional theme? 

Halloween Recap

How did you celebrate Halloween yesterday? I love holidays and love any excuse for something fun. We prepared the house and put the finishing touches on the details for the children who came to trick or treat at our house.

It ended up pouring rain during the trick or treat time, but that didn't stop 162 brave souls from stopping by for some treats. My daughters went out with friends while I stayed home to pass out treats at our house. Someone always has to stay at home to pass out the candy, right? It's our first year in this house and I can't wait to see how many children come next year. If 162 come in the rain, I can only imagine how many will be there in better weather.

I was delighted to see so many children with excellent manners last night. In particular, the older middle school and high school aged trick or treat visitors displayed the best manners of all, saying please and thank you and engaging in conversation.

This year, Natalia and Alexia had fun choosing their costumes. Natalia is a voodoo doll and Alexia is Elmo. They were even more thrilled that they were able to wear their costumes to school! I'm so glad that they love Halloween as much as I do. Last year, they wore matching costumes and are already planning next year's Halloween costumes. They plan to match or wear some kind of group costume. I love it that they are not only twins, but also best friends!

I couldn't resist getting into the game this Halloween! I dressed as a Catrina, Mexico's elegant and refined skeleton lady! The Catrina is a satirical figure seen in the murals of many famous Mexican artists including Jose Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera.