TastyCate

The Long and Short of it

2008-05-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

I have been craving a long dress to dance around in this summer. Loving this one by Tart.

This is MY Best Friend

2008-04-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

You know the saying . . . "diamonds are a girl's best friend."

'Nuff said.

Elsa Peretti Round Pave Necklace, Tiffany & Co.

Please??

2008-04-15T17:44:00.001-07:00

Timeless. One of the best I've seen. I MUST check this out in person.
Marc by Marc Jacobs.

This is Clutch

2008-03-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for months for an oversize clutch that is affordable. I stumbled upon this one (also in gold) and I think it's so chic. It's from Nine West and less than $60--who knew??

Deco Quilted Clutch $59.00 www.ninewest.com

Temptation

2008-03-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this bag the moment I laid eyes on it. Great size, awesome hardware, I think BR is right on with its spring handbag line. Tempting, isn't it? Luxe card = danger.

www.bananarepublic.com

Lash Out

2008-03-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

I get asked quite often what mascara I use. I have no interest in fancy, overpriced mascara, I find that it's just not worth it. I only use Maybelline and specifically the waterproof Volume Express. It plumps and lengthens without clumping--can't beat that!

Two Hoots

2008-03-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.enell.com/

With tiny hooks, this sports bra is guaranteed to keep the ladies in place. A bit pricey, but worth every penny.

This is What Love Looks Like

2008-02-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

I just think he's the greatest. Love.

Honeylicious

2008-01-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

One of the best smelling products EVER.

Turn the Volume Up

2007-12-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

Pin striaght hair is so 1999. Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray gives you that volume that you've been looking for without weighing your hair down. Plus, it's spray, no messy/sticky hands . . . BONUS!

Isn't She Lovely?

2007-12-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lovely Clutch in Cream (also comes in black and red).

It's a Shoe In

2007-11-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

I need, I tried on, I love. To boot or not to boot? That is the question.

Tea-Licious

2007-09-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's been years since I've had a high tea experience. Anyone?

The Twinkle of My Eye

2007-08-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

While I'm on the jewelry subject, it has been over a year that I've been contemplating this ring. Maybe one day?

www.tiffany.com

Pearls of Wisdom

2007-08-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Wish list=updated pearls.

Besides wanting a super long strand to play around with, why not add these beautiful pearl/diamond studs? They are adorable and will look great for decades to come.

www.iridesse.com

Dress Me Up for Your Love

2007-08-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

2007 is officially the year of dresses. Work, weekend, wherever, you can literally dress it up or down depending. I have been searching for a classic dress that I can wear both out and to work. BINGO. This dress from Banana Republic's new Fall collection is ideal. Especially for women who are (ahhemm) endowed. The little V-neck slit is flattering without being over the top (pun intended). Plus this dress would look great with a pair of pumps OR high boots. Keep on keepin' on Banana. :-)

How Can you Bare it?

2007-08-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

So many types of foundations, so little time. Liquid, powder, spray, cream; finding the perfect type is enough to drive a lady crazy. A few months ago, I finally broke out of my old habits (I was a liquid foundation girl) to find out about all the hype surrounding i.d. bareMinerals makeup. bareMinerals is free of preservatives, oil, fragrance, talc and other skin irritants. Meaning , it's good for you skin and even contains SPF! I have noticed a difference in the clarity and texture of my skin and the powder is so light that you barely even feel as though you're wearing makeup. Plus, it's sweat proof--thank you very much hot, humid summers in NYC. I will never go back to my old ways.

Crew Team

2007-08-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

J. Crew just called to ask me to set up an appointment with a "wardrobe specialist." I suppose that the overwhelming amount of money I spent on suits there makes me eligible for a "session." See above, no session necessary. This beautiful velvet jacket will be mine for fall. Except I will be getting it in the Welsh Purple color. Ohh, the irony. :-)

It comes in a beautiful range of romantic colors, www.jcrew.com

Plentiful

2007-07-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

I don't trust anyone who doesn't eat. Apparently neither does famous clothing designer Tracy Reese. She makes the most beautiful clothing designed for (gasp) women with bodies! Actual dresses that look good on women that don't have 14-year-old prepubescent boys' bodies. Eureka!

I was lucky enough to score a Tracy Reese dress on sales a few months ago. Although I have yet to attend an event in it (ahem, fancy date, anyone?) just looking at it makes me smile.

http://www.plentybytracyreese.com/

From the trenches . . .

2007-07-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have spent the later half of my life searching for the perfect trench coat. Something classic, comfortable, affordable and in a flattering shade of beige (trust me, not all blondes can wear beige). Oh and did I mention that I needed it to be waterproof? Check times five.

I now present the Lady Coat from www.bananarepublic.com

A Proper Suitor

2007-06-24T10:02:00.001-07:00

No matter what your profession, a classic suit is a must. I own A LOT of suits, but my latest favorite is J.Crew. These City-Fit trousers have that perfect fit and look smashing with the various types of blazer choices. Try 'em on, you know you want to!

A Latte Flavor

2006-12-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

Speaking of Restoration Hardware, this little gadget froths milk for lattes. Forget about those overpriced and overwhelmingly huge cappuccino/latte makers. This little guy is $19 and great gift for a coffee lover!

I Wanna Hold Your [Warm] Hand

2006-12-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

The days of cheesy pocket handwarmers are over! These Restoration Hardware 1955 Chrome Pocket Handwarmers are the coolest I've seen in ages. And a delightful stocking stuffer at just $15/set of 2.

I'll Toast to This

2006-12-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

This adorable toaster from www.brookstone.com comes with 4 images plates that mark your bread with smiley faces, cakes, suns or coffee cups. Plus, you can purchase a holiday image 4-pack--how cute!!

A Brush with Love

2006-12-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

This complete brush set from Sonia Kashuk is around $20 and a great gift for any make-up lover. Plus it's even small enough that it makes a wonderful travel gift.

Exclusively at: www.target.com

All Eyes on You

2006-12-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

To use or not to use eye cream? I say, better to be safe than sorry. I recently met a couple of women (now friends of mine) who are 40+ and I was astounded by how great they look. I mean fall off my chair, call them liars, astounded at how great they look for their age. So in my hopes of following in their footsteps, I finally caved and bought this eye cream. Since I have a very sensitive eye area, it's taken me years to find one that doesn't irritate my skin. It's a lot to dole out, but if I look that great at 40, then this stuff is priceless.

Find it here: http://www.kinerase.com/

Gobble it Up . . .

2006-11-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Since today's theme is indulging in excess amounts of poultry, I thought I would share a great recipe that I love to make. It's made with chicken though, I think we've all had enough of the turkey . . .

Baked Chicken Cheese Enchiladas
Recipe courtesy of Gourmet Magazine

4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups prepared salsa or add 1 cup of red enchilada sauce
2 cups grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Salt and pepper
4 scallions, thinly sliced
12 to 14 soft round 6 to 8-inch flour or corn tortillas

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a medium bowl cream together the cream cheese and the sour cream. Stir in 1/2 cup of the salsa. Stir in 1 cup of the grated cheese. In a second bowl toss together the chicken, the corn, cumin, cayenne, salt, pepper, and 1/2 of the scallions. Add the chicken mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine. In a baking dish spread a 1/2 cup of the salsa over the bottom. Place about a 1/3 cup of the filling on a corn tortilla, roll up and transfer to the baking dish with the seam side down. Repeat process for remaining tortillas. Pour remaining salsa over enchiladas, spreading to coat all of them. Sprinkle remaining grated cheese over the top. Enchiladas may be prepared up to this point 12 hours in advance. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Enchiladas may be reheated, covered with aluminum foil, before service. Sprinkle with the remaining scallions and serve warm.

Music to My Ears

2006-11-22T13:49:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to check these guys out at Sweet 16 Party. I know what you're thinking . . . don't judge, just listen.

They're incredible.

www.liamandme.com

Who's Throwing Blows?

2006-11-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

If you're not using a decent blowdryer you are doing yourself and anyone who looks/deals/does your hair a disservice. I didn't join the decent blowdryer club until I received this little puppy last Christmas. It dries my hair in half the time and leaves it looking clean and healthy (none of that I just blew out my hair frizz/pouf look).

Sure there are $200-$300 blowdryers I have yet to try, but for around $60 for the BaByliss Ionic Hairdryer, you can't lose.

Check it: www.babyliss.com

The Salve that Saves the Day

2006-11-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

What girl doesn't own 90845093485 different kinds of lip remedies? From lipstick to gloss you probably think you have it all. But nothing beats Smith's Rosebud Salve. Not only does it smell like freshly picked roses, but it's an ever-so-slightly pick lip salve that does it all. Chapped lips, check. Dry nose from a cold, check. Rough cuticles, check. And it comes in a rose-mint scent too!

For about $6 a tin, it's worth a try. It's a must for me.

'Tis the Season for a Beautiful Bag

2006-11-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

This is the advertisement that did me in. I coveted this bag for MONTHS before I bought it at the end of October. It looks even better in person than it does in the ad. It's roomy (can fit a laptop, files, maybe even a puppy?) and honestly it's breathtakingly beautiful.

*Sigh* I still love to gaze at it.

Find it here: www.colehaan.com