Steven Alan, your entire inventory makes my heart go pitter patter...and I just so badly wish your store was my closet. Something tells me I will be working in blues/greys a lot this spring.

Just out of curiosity, if you only had ONE store to shop from for the rest of your life, what would it be? I have a few front runners...wonder if you can guess some of them. ;)

Adoring the jewelry from Fortune Favors The Brave...especially that gorgeous gold and turquoise necklace. Perfectly bohemian for summer. And year round really. I want to pile it on all at once. Hot.

{Image Credit: Cafe Fernando // Printable Recipe Card: Triple Max Tons}

If you follow Triple Max Tons on Twitter, you might have seen my catastrophic attempt at inventing  a ramekin-sized recipe for chocolate cake. I never knew a few tablespoons of this, some teaspoons of that, and a dash of whatever could cause such an disgusting looking dessert explosion in my oven. My motive for attempting such a recipe not once but THREE times? I wanted a fast and easy chocolate fix that won't make my kitchen a total disaster. I still have a long way to go to perfect that itsy bitsy chocolate cake recipe, but this 5 minute and 2 ingredient chocolate mousse seen on Cafe Fernando is looking simply sublime - and especially easy - right now! For a quick tutorial on how to make it, check out this YouTube video of Heston Blumenthal then download the recipe card I designed for this delicate and fluffy treat.

Some quick tips:
1. Enjoy this as a mousse, or use it as a cake filling.
2. Spice it up with cinnamon, cayenne pepper, crushed lavender, or a tablespoon of liquor (just subtract the amount of liquor from water if you do that option), or steep your boiled water with tea.
3. DO NOT over-whisk....watch the consistency and stop the second it thickens. If you whisk it too much, the mousse will be grainy.
4. Measurements are super critical and need to be spot on for this to work - use a kitchen scale if you have one!

I spent the afternoon scouring the spring collections to check out what beauty trends are hot for spring/summer, and I am loving what came down the runways. Gianfranco Ferre went into bombshell mode with tawny skin and smoky eyes. Bright lips were spotted at Fendi, Gucci, Jil Sander and Diane von Furstenberg. Preen went etheral and soft with a dusting of minty eyeshadow and a darker nude lip. Anna Sui and Alexander Wang kept faces fresh and clean. I personally LOVE the bold lip in a hot pink or flashy tangerine for spring, and of course the ol' trusty smoky eye. Each of the items below are under $15, so you can go on a spree and try each look guilt-free!

Look 1 - The Bombshell NYX Cosmetics Nude On Nude Natural Look Kit ($10) L'Oreal Colour Juice Lipgloss in Strawberry Smoothie ($8) L'Oreal Paris Hip Studio Secrets Professional Chrome Eyeliner ($4) Victoria’s Secret BeautyRush Bronzer ($7) Look 2 - Pucker Up e.l.f Studio Mineral Blush ($5) e.l.f Studio Flawless Finish Foundation ($6) AVON TRUE COLOR Eyeshadow Single in White Pearl ($2.25) SEPHORA COLLECTION Ultra Vinyl Lip Pencil ($12) Look 3 - Ethereal Pastel NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Face Powder ($4) MAC Lustre Lipglass in Sinnamon ($14.50) Korres Sunflower & Evening Primrose Eyeshadow in Green White ($6) SEPHORA COLLECTION Concealer Palette ($10) Look 4 - Naturally Perfect NYX Loose Pearl Eye Shadow ($3) Cosmedicine Matte & Bronze Bronzing Powder with Shine Control ($14) Physicians Formula Mineral Wear™ Talc-Free Mineral Correcting Pebbles ($14) Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($5) {Model images from Style.com} {Floral clip art from Mellowmint}

While I generally like furniture to be neutral, I am a lover of all things colorful when it comes to textiles (think bold pillows, bright rugs, patterned curtains, etc). Right now we have this black and white striped "Rand" Ikea rug in our living room, and these rugs from Decorative Carpets are so much fun. A splash of any one of these lively patterns from the Mar a Mar collection will surely wake up any interior.

{Via Coco + Kelley}

{shopping list} 1. pantone mugs 2. roxy tropics 2 dress 3. stephan & co. multi strand seed bead necklace 4. rosa cha striped triangle bikini top and bottom 5. chola bomba in chains necklace 6. kate spade iphone 4 cover 7. kate spade candy shop dress 8. color spectrum umbrella 9. sammy handmade in ethiopia rainbow striped scarf 10. diba beaded tribal sandals 11. faber-castell pastel set 12. splendid heather variegated stripe henley top 13.  paulette macarons (image credit: carin krasner) 14.  gara danielle rainbow druzy ring

My dad, the hero!

Considering the fact that it was my dad who coined the term "triple max tons" (one of his many ingenious sayings....other personal faves include reekus area regions, anything "noids" and anti-sqwakatory), I am going to give a big shout out to my pops on his birthday. Hope you have a great birthday, Dad....I love you.

{Image}

I love having live plants around the house, but it's official: I have the black thumb of death. I just  tossed my fave zebra succulent that I bought in San Juan Capistrano, CA after getting engaged. I thought of that super rad green and white zig zag plant as my non-psycho version of the love fern from How To Loose A Guy In 10 Days...and I let it dieeee. I kept it (barely) alive for 7 months, and that is a feat in itself for me, but really....the bottom line is that I just managed to kill a cactus. That takes serious talent and neglect. Anyways, spring is near, little plants are starting to sprout outside our window, and I am in the mood to get my garden on. You can't blame me for trying.

Scarf: H&M // Dress: Patterson J. Kincaid // Sweater: J.Crew Outlet // Belt: Thrifted // Tights: DKNY // Boots: Nine West Vintage America Collection

I always feel like a total awkward Annie when I do these style posts - that is why they are few and far between. Definitely not used to flaunting my outfits to the whole world (and I use that term very conservatively since not even .0000000000000001% of the world is reading TMT). However, I figured why not give you a rare glimpse into my closet and show you my latest fave find - a fab leopard haircalf belt thrifted from Boomerang Special Edition. When I last popped in that amazing shop, I also found a killer Donna Karan fuchsia pleated skirt (with original tags still on, $995) in my size for only $60. I didn't get it because I am a bonehead, and am still kicking myself for passing it up...it was exactly like this one I really liked. Shoulda coulda woulda. Anyways, I did get this belt because leopard rocks. I highly encourage you all to inject a dash of jungle kitty print into your wardrobe.

{Photo Credit:  Fred Meylan}

Wrapped To Wear is a small company doing big things with wrap jewelry, and I love how designers Lesa and Mary Beth play with texture and color. Each piece featured in their newly launched Etsy shop is hand made using genuine leather and high quality beads, and reflects the beauty of nature and travel inspirations. I dig the stacked effect when piling their jewelry on, and these wraps look great dressed up or worn casual.  Fancy a bracelet? Wrap it up! Need a necklace? Unravel it. Care to wear an anklet? Coil it on. As you might have guessed, I love wrap jewelry for their versatility and that is why I am especially excited to host my very first giveaway featuring Wrapped To Wear!

So friends and followers, today is the day where one lucky reader will have the chance to win a super special leather and pearl Wrapped To Wear wrap bracelet/necklace!

With my upcoming trip to California on the horizon and after the great response to my first post about how to pack light for trips ranging from a few days to a few weeks, I decided to do a follow-up to solve that pesky "no liquids" and "3 oz and under" rule. You know how there is always some guy getting pissed off about TSA tossing his pomade, or some lady freaking out about her expensive perfume getting red lighted? Here are some tips and tricks to meet those requirements to keep your precious products from getting trashed and to keep you from being "that person."

{Travel containers from The Container Store}

1. Transfer products into appropriate-sized containers.
You can either go to a shop and buy some travel containers, or you can do as I do...reuse the empties that you swiped from previous hotel stays. Just peel the original labels off, and you have yourself the perfect vessel at no additional cost. When filling up the empties for your trip, put a piece of scotch tape around the container and use a permanent marker to scribble what it is on your removable tape "label."

{Burt's Bees Complexion Soap}

2. Swap out for solids.
Keep in mind that all your liquids have to fit into a quart-size plastic baggie, so some products that you typically use liquid versions of can be swapped for solids. Some facial cleansers come in bar form, and you can use a solid perfume to scent yourself while traveling.

{Malin + Goetz essentials set via 3floz}

3. Shop the travel aisles, and keep a plastic bin under the sink with all the toiletries you will need.
Head on over to your local drugstore or Target, and shop the travel section. One amazing site that specializes in TSA-approved portions is 3floz.com...it is a wonderful collection of portable beauty products from the best brands around the globe. I keep a plastic bin underneath the sink stocked with all my travel items for quick and easy packing....extra contact cases, travel-size saline solution, mini toothpastes, mini shampoos/conditioners/hairsprays, empty bottles to transfer face stuff into, etc.

{Image Via LoveToKnow}

4. Go to beauty stores and stock up on samples.
This is one way that you can try out new products and meet those pesky requirements. Load up on freebies like perfumes (the skinny tubes take up no space at all and last surprisingly long!), concealers, face creams, and more. Most shops either have pre-made samples to give you or a sales associate will make one for you if you ask.

Happy travels!

Just had to share this recipe because it blew my mind.....I had NO IDEA how easy it was to make your very own vanilla extract! Granted it isn't a last minute type of thing and takes quite a bit of time to 'mature,' but having an endless supply of this vanilla extract (aka liquid gold in this household) is too tempting.  A bottle of this plus a batch of homemade honey lavender cookies, and I'm am good to go.

{Pinterest Via Elle.com} I love this look....so girly and fun, but very lady-like. The metallic pleats, flirty scarf, plush coat, whimsical polka dots, and casual bag are working in perfect harmony. Whoever this chick is, she totally nailed it. A great transitional outfit for this winter-to-spring weather.

{Image: Striped Canvas Pumps by Carven Via Net-A-Porter}

Designed and crafted by Jennifer Sarkilahti in her Brooklyn studio, "Odette New York is a jewelry line inspired by organic and industrial shapes, natural specimens, antique artifacts, and travel mementos; made using ancient and modern wax carving techniques and hand fabrication.Each original design begins from a pencil sketch that is carefully translated by hand into wax like a tiny sculpture before being cast into metal. Classic with a slightly bohemian touch, the handmade nature of Odette displays an organic aesthetic that is signature to the collection."

Each of her pieces are absolutely gorgeous, and this and this are officially on my lust list.

{Images from Odette New York and Wikstenmade}

Crate & Barrel Cleo Lamp

This three legged lamp reminds me a bit of antlers or tree roots. It is a little bit mid-century style mixed with some rustic flavor. It's organic and sculptural, and I love it.

Home Decorator's Holbrook Console Table

This rustic wood and iron framed console table is both easy on the eyes and wallet. Whenever John and I move out of this pillbox of an apartment, I am surely going to add a piece from this "Holbrook" collection to our decor.

West Elm Shane Powers Neolithic Vessels

Clean lines and simple shapes in a perfect grey clay, these vases and vessels are perfect for holding seasonal blooms.

Wisteria Woven Metal Mirror

The pierced and distressed metal adds character and interest to this industrial-style mirror frame. A great way to add some edge to any room.

Jayson Home & Garden Brazilian Cowhide Rug

 This beautiful blonde colored cowhide rug is a lovely way to add texture to a smaller entryway. Just steer clear (PUN SO INTENDED!) of walking over this with shoes on. While this certainly isn't for everyone (especially PETA people out there) or every space, but this can be an eye-catching accent.

Urban Outfitters Cafe Stool

This red stool is perfect to sit on when taking shoes and and off - the fun color and industrial lines compliment the rustic vibe well. When looking around UO's site, I also found this shelf and this wire shelving unit (place next to the door as a catch all for in- and outgoing mail) which would be fun things to add into the mix.

 Since moving to Boston, grocery shopping has become the bane of my existence. In between ripping my shoulders out of their sockets and shattering my wrists into a million pieces while lugging our food back home on that hellish march back to the South End from Shaw's, and then getting home and realizing I forgot something, I just can't muster up the strength to keep our fridge and pantry fully stocked. We always have the essentials on hand, but those seem to be devoured sooner than later. I made myself this grocery list - had to make it bright so I would make sure to remember it before I head out the door - and figured I would share it. Download the pdf here, print 'em up, scribble over them, and get 'er done.

The hubby and I went to the MFA yesterday for an impromptu date, and had a great time. In the 'Arts of the Americas' gallery, there were 2 chests and hand-printed art from German immigrants that settled in Pennsylvania that really caught my eye. In celebration of this inspiring expression of culture, history, and style, here is a round up of Etsy artisans with a flair for folk art.

Nicole Hill Gerulat is really talented and takes super fun photos. If you are ever in need of party inspiration, looking for some fantastic lifestyle shots, or just need to be cheered up, take a gander at her portfolio. For some additional wow factor, check out the wedding images she has up on her site!