FASHION: A TASTE OF TARTAN

tartan? plaid? whatever you may call it, is a great holiday gift for your mom, sister, aunt, or grandmother. jcrew has a huge assortment of tartan style gifts starting with the jazzed up lumberjack flats $225, add some funk to your ensemble with this cute cropped tartan trench $350, carry this cute silk tartan "claire" clutch $65, wear the sparkle plaid "margaret" shirt with your favorite jeans, accentuate your waist with the wool critter belt $38, or splash around in the textured wool wellies $85. all items can be found @ http://www.jcrew.com!

FOOD: PASTA & PEPPERS

need an idea for a quick meal? try birdie butter's favorite

penne pasta with roasted red pepper sauce & fresh baby spinach

ingredients:

1 box of penne pasta

1 jar of archer farms roasted red pepper sauce (can be found at target)

1 bag of baby spinach (fresh)

salt to taste

parmesan cheese (optional topping)

directions: boil water in a saucepan, add a dash of salt to the water, add pasta to boiling water (i use 1/2 a box you can use more if you like), cook about 12-14 minutes, drain, add sauce (about 1/2 depending on how much pasta you cook), add 1 cup of spinach, mix all ingredients, add salt to taste. top with fresh parmesan cheese if you like. it's tasty & healthy (use whole wheat pasta as a healthier option). enjoy

FASHION: TIBI

TIBI was created by Amy Smilovic. She travels to exotic locales to find inspiration for her collection of dresses. TIBI is for anyone who may live a casual chic, artsy, SOHO type of lifestyle. I love the prints Smilovic uses, they are retro & truly unique. deco shift dress $391, scoop neck dress $370 & daydream lace dress $339 all can be found at shopbop.

FASHION: I'M SO BLUE

jcrew has done an amazing job with their jewelry. it looks sophisticated while being affordable. great pieces that can be worn with a cocktail dress or with jeans & a t-shirt. the bluebell pave ring will make a statement on anyone's finger for $45, the basic blue enamel bangle is a great accessory for everyday wear $35, the bauble cascade necklace could do wonders for basic grey tee $135, & the oh so fabulous hand-painted palm beach enamel bracelet is simply beautiful $68. check out the other colors these items come in & see what else jcrew has to offer.

LIFESTYLE: IN THE MOOD

i had the taste for starbucks this morning...the smell of coffee especially when you walk into any starbucks makes me smile! to my surprise the red cups were back which means the holidays are approaching quickly. it's just something about starbucks & the red coffee cups that make me want to shop! instead i came home & took some shots of my starbucks tall holiday cup filled with a delicious caramel macchiato. enjoy

DECOR: HOLIDAY SETTINGS

looking for some ideas for table settings this holiday season...take some inspiration from the images above featured in the los angeles times. the settings are non traditional BUT they will add much needed flavor to your table this holiday season. skip the traditional flowers or lame turkey napkin holder & go for something with a little more style. to find out where you can purchase these items click on the link below to the article "Topping it all off". happy holidays!

http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-tabletop8nov08,1,4011730.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

LIFESTYLE: INCREASE AWARENESS

the upcoming election may seem far away, BUT before you know it you will have to make a very wise decision on who our next president will be. urban outfitters did a great job on these tees & they are a perfect way to get everyone energized & excited about the next election! pick up one for $28 from http://www.urbanoutfitters.com