cocktail hour {the blizzard}

As someone who loves coffee I'm always game to try a cocktail with a little java in it. Espresso martini's are one of my favorites, but I had a "white chocolate truffle" recently at Nebo and it was pretty darn good. This recipe via Martha isn't spot on, but it's similar. SO perfect on a frigid day like today.

the blizzard cocktail

- 1 1/2 ounces irish whiskey or rum

- 1/2 ounce hazelnut liqueur

- 1/2 ounce Bailey's

- hot coffee

- Grand Marnier whipped cream for garnish

In a glass mug stir together whiskey, hazelnut liqueur and Bailey's - top with hot coffee.

obsession du jour...

fair isle sweaters

madewell

matthew williamson

sonia rykiel

rag & bone

look of the day

***

the perfect soup for a cold winter's day...

vegetarian white bean soup

1 pound dried white beans, such as great northern, navy, or cannellini
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large red onions, coarsely chopped
4 ribs celery, coarsely chopped
3-4 carrots, coarsely chopped
6 cups water
salt and pepper, to taste
extra olive oil (for sprinkling)

- in a large bowl, combine the beans with water to cover them by several inches. set aside at room temperature to soak overnight.
- drain the beans and rinse with cold water.
- in soup pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. add the onions, celery, and carrots. cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until vegetables soften.
- add the beans to the pot and stir well. pour in the water, turn up the heat, and bring the mixture to a boil. skim any foam that rises to the surface. lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 hours or until the beans are very soft. add plenty of salt and pepper near the end of cooking.
- ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with olive oil.

bellevue {snow}

first snow

and one more here

obsessing over...

these fabulous 3.1 phillip lim lace detailed leather gloves

top picks for party dresses

now is the time for holiday parties and this is when you can really go a little wild with your fashion. here are some of my favorite dresses that i've seen which would be perfect for any party this winter season...

madewellann taylor loft french connectionkitty

look of the day

carrie underwood in a perfect winter outfit

trend report: bright coats for winter

if we are going to have another dreary winter on our hands i would much rather face it wearing a bright and cheery coat.

esprit

escada

andrew marc