So if you’re like me and you love food and love TV (I hate to admit it, but it’s true), you possibly watched the Food Network’s “Next Food Network Star.”  And if you have a soul you’ve probably fallen in love with Aarti.  But!  What you probably didn’t know is that she has had a You Tube cooking show for three “seasons” that is awesome.  What the buck? Who knew? I am sure the Food Network will produce some cookie cutter crap, so watch her on You Tube, because she is freaking adorable.

PS – Wait for it.  The best part is after the cooking demo.

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Love these gorgeous cupcakes from the blog mingmakescupcakes. Just looking at them almost (almost!) satisfies my sugar craving.

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Have you seen this site?  I love it.

On the Cheap

Summer

It’s probably safe to say that the number one request I get from clients (and everyone for that matter) is for well-fitting basics (tees, tank tops, etc.), so in the interest of saving myself a little work, here’s my go to list.  Check it!

Everyday T-Shirt: This Splendid 1×1 Ribbed Scoop Neck Tee looks great on everyone.  It’s not really ribbed – just a nice thick gauge so it fits well, hugs in the right places, and isn’t see through.  You can get them at splendid.com, Neiman’s, Saks, Shopbop – colors vary based on store and season.  Pair a purple or navy one with white jeans, a great necklace, and you are ready to go.

Layering T-Shirt: Splendid again with their Ribbed Long Sleeve Crew.  Again, not ribbed!  This is thin enough to layer under sweaters and keeps you nice and warm on cooler evenings.  Get this at splendid.com.

Basic Tank Top: I absolutely adore J Crew’s Favorite Tank.  Double up with a bright color underneath and white on top with a great blazer and you are ready to go.  Available at jcrew.com.

Tank Top for Layering:  My absolutely #1 favorite is Theory Tubular Tops. I wear them under everything.  The stretchy lycra fabric wears extremely well and does a great job of smoothing out your tummy without feeling like you are wearing an armor suit.  It’s pricey, but they last through endless washes.  Get them at Saks.com.

Basic Button Down:  The James Perse Contrast Panel Shirt is flattering on everyone.  With stretchy panel on the sides this shirt hugs curves rather than clings to them.  Pair with the Theory Tank and kahki linen pants for a chic summer evening.  Available at Saks, Neiman’s, Nordstrom – hunt around for your favorite colors.

Basics

If you know anything about me, it’s that I love a dress.  And I especially love spring and summer because all you need to throw on is a dress with some cute shoes, maybe a necklace and you are ready to go.  There are too many cute styles out there.  I tell ya, it’s a daily challenge having a less is more approach to your closet when there are so many cute things to buy.  All of these available at net-a-porter.com.

Party Dresses, Spring

Oh, Oreo Thin Crisps.  You are just the kind of food I like to get all judge-y about.  Processed, heavy on the packaging, low on the real food content you’re no friend of the environment inside or outside of my body.  But you are so tasty.  And satisfying.  And there are about 50 of you in a single 100 calorie pack.  Apparently woman cannot exist on organic fancy chocolate alone.  The shame.

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I have a new love – Taza Chocolate.  I am ashamed to say that despite the fact the factory is right here in Somerville, I’d never tried it until yesterday.  It’s crazy because this small batch organic chocolate maker has even offered tours of their factory a la Charlie and the Chocolate factory and still I never got around to eating it.  Well no longer is that the case. One tiny bite and I went out and bought about 5 pounds so I would have some on hand at all times.   What’s so special?  It’s stone ground, organic, and minimally processed.  As a result the chocolate retains pure flavor and tiny granules of sugar so it pops in your mouth.  But really, there is no describing it.  It’s pure tasty treat heaven.  Just go get some as quickly as you can.

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My sister got married this weekend (which, incidentally, is why I’ve been so bad about blogging the last week – I was busy!).  It was truly the sweetest and most fun wedding I’ve been to, ever.  These pics taken by my cousin Hugh really capture the loveliness of it all.

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A friend from college has a blog, the concept of which I absolutely love.  Called Scout, it features local businesses in her home town of Charlottesville.  I adore the notion of promoting all the lovely *local* places to eat, shop, and play. It makes me want to visit!  Check it out.

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