Get A Little Frances Valentine In Your Life

One of my favorite brands is Frances Valentine. Everything on their site is just so perfect. From their costs to tunics, and statement jewelry and shoes, France Valentine just gets me. Here is a little background on the company:

Frances Valentine is a modern American lifestyle brand founded by long-time friends and collaborators Kate & Andy Spade, and Elyce Arons. It is the design house that sustains Kate Valentine Spade’s unique way of seeing. A trove of her works, her inspiration, her talent, her vision. With its spirited vintage-modern designs, Frances Valentine continues to create coveted pieces for women around the world.

The brand truly reflects the iconic style of Kate Spade, which is why I love it so much. The classic, yet quirky cool style is exactly what we need during this quirky crazy time in our life. Frances Valentine is going to give you $25 off your order if you use any of my LINKS included in this post. You really need to add some FV to your Christmas list. I have added just a few of my favorite things from the new arrivals but it is so hard not to choose everything from the site. Enjoy!! Bon Weekend!!!

This is hands down my favorite coat..I cannot resist the leopard with the coordinating necklace collar. It looks so fab with the pearls and worn in jeans!!!

I am so in love with these shoes..they come in so many colors and also a leopard haircalf. I could honestly find a reason to wear every single pair.

This coat is also so interesting..I love the vertical lines in the material and it looks adorable over a dress…

I am also in LOVE with these red shoes…they are perfect for the holidays…the jewels are incredible..I can see these worn for a great night out making memories or with casual jeans lounging around for a night in watching a great movie with friends!!!

The shape of this frame bag is so classic!!! The leopard is chic but there are also a bunch of other colors to choose from. This is the type of bag that you will buy now but will wear year after year for years to come…It’s a great investment piece!!!

That Garden Ring is calling my name..oh and that amazing sequin cardigan is also available on the site, but going fast!!!

And lastly, if you do not want to commit to a long coat, this cropped jacket does the trick. It looks great over a maxi skirt, black dress or with jeans and fun shoes….another classic piece that will carry you through the years…

Kate Spade we really miss you and your incredible talent but your wonderful sense of style lives on and on through the Frances Valentine site.

SWISS CHEESE DIP

Thanksgiving might look at little different this year but your appetizers don’t have to be. I do not even remember where I got this recipe but I saved it to share for the Holidays. This is perfect for a small get together. And besides, I love anything with Melba Toast!!!!

Image: an affair from the heart

Adapted From Food.com

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
1/2 cup of Onions (chopped)
2 cups Jarlsberg Swiss

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all ingredients together.
Preheat over to 325°.
Bake for 30-40 minutes.
Serve with Meeba Toast .

Making Spirits Bright.

I am hearing from so many people that they are dreading the Christmas season. No parties, no cookie exchanges, no secret Santa, mostly all online shopping, and it goes on and on. I feel your pain. I think I am in denial most days and blast my Christmas music like everything will just turn around on Dec 1st. But the reality is, we might be really limited with our celebrating this year. So, I am going to do a few posts, once a week with a fun activity you can do to keep the Holiday spirit and your own spirits going.

Last year I saw the most beautiful silk beaded ornaments. They were actually kits that you make yourself. I am going to buy a few and ask a girlfriend or 2 over for takeout and to make a beautiful ornament. We can play Christmas music and have our own mini party. We’ve got this Fashionistas…Now to go order my ornament kits!!

To see the entire assortment of ornament kits click HERE.

Some Exciting News Coming Next Week….

Do you want to shop where I shop??? Well, next Wednesday some of my favorite brands and secret finds!!!! (and trust me…….you probably have never been on these sites) are going to do a special online sale for my readers with 10% your order. There are sooo many great things. I cannot wait for you to see!!! I am so excited to share them with you to kick off the Holiday season!!

There will be Work Out Clothes:

image Rongrong

Fancy Sandals

image Madeit.com

Fancy Handbags:

image Amanda Greenwood

Unique Home Decor Old and New:

image BeeIlustrated

Dresses Galore for all Occasions:

Image MyModernNet

Decorative Candles and Home Fragrances for Yourself and For Gifts:

image Stupell Industries

Cute and one of a kind Custom Celebration supplies and personalized gifts:

image Rongong

Chic Vintage Designer Jewelry

Book Club Monday….Missing Broadway???

It’s no secret that I love Broadway. I love our blog, theater group. I love every show and the energy coming from the stage. I think this is because my parents really don’t love Broadway, even to this day. So we only went a couple of times, altogether. I BEGGGGGED to see Cats because I learned Memory on the piano and played it on repeat from 1982-1987!!!!!! Seeing it live was one of the best days of my childhood!!!! And, please note, back in the day, STEM was not really high on the curriculum but learning Broadway songs sure was!!! Fast forward to today. We are so fortunate to live so close to the city, where you can see a show almost every night. I still get so excited for every show. Broadway will be back and it will be better than ever…But today, our book club choice is incredible. Right now it is only available for pre-order but if you are a broadway lover, like me, you will want to get Singular Sensation (love this title): The Triumph of Broadway. by Michael Ridel. Until the lights go back on, here is the story:

The extraordinary story of a transformative decade on Broadway, featuring gripping behind-the-scenes accounts of shows such as Rent, Angels in AmericaChicagoThe Lion King, and The Producers—shows that changed the history of the American theater -Amazon.com

For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.

Have you been to B.Good?

There is an awesome new place to pick up food for your family, B. Good, 342 Greenwich Ave. The menu is full of Burgers, Bowls, Salads, Smoothies, Shakes, and Kids Meals inspired by the seasons with only clean ingredients. It is truly a menu everyone will love. So far, the Beyond Burger, Eggplant Meatballs, and Harvest Kale Salad are my favorite. Luckily I was able to get the recipe to share with you. But I encourage you to try the real thing and visit B.Good real soon.

Harvest Kale Salad

Ingredients

  • 1/4 butternut squash peeled and diced 1″ cubed
  • 1 bunch kale, destemmed, rough chopped (about 6 cups)
  • 1/2c chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4c shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 med. sized beet, peeled, diced
  • 8 Brussel sprouts, halved
  • 1 TBS pumpkin seeds

Directions

  1. Make the Balsamic vinaigrette: blend everything except for the oil. Add the oil and blend. Add more salt/Balsamic to taste.
  2. Marinate Kale: Add 2TBS of oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix together with your hands for 30 seconds to tenderize the greens. Let this sit for 10 min. The longer the Kale sits, the better. You can even make this the day before.
  3. Put brussel sprouts, squash, and beets on a baking sheet with a little oil and salt. Roast on 400 degrees for about 6 minutes until fork tender.
  4. Assemble salad in a large shallow bowl: Kale on the bottom, top Kale with rows of ingredients, add dressing, top with pumpkin seeds.