Baked Crispy Chicken:

      Recently I invited my best guy friend, Sean, over to taste test a new recipe. We both ended up gobbling the entire serving down in just minutes and soon afterwards, Sean was asking if we could make more. I thought to myself... why not? This is an excellent opportunity to see if this recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken really is as simple to prepare as I think it is. After Sean and I purchased ingredients and put the whole meal into the oven to finish cooking he said "That's it?" This recipe really is that easy! Not only that, but this chicken comes out of the oven tender, juicy, and with a perfectly salted crust. Minted Magazine featured the full post on their blog and you can view the entire recipe by clicking this link! I hope that the next time you are in a pinch for a week night meal you try this out!

Yours,

Nico

The Remix Sweater:

      Sadly, the Missoni for Target collection was mostly sold thru by the time I reached my nearest Target location the day the collection launched. I was lucky enough to stumble across this sweater dress at Crossroads Trading Co for $7 several months ago and I have been wearing it constantly ever since (see evidence here). I like that I can wear this piece alone as a dress/beach cover up now, and later I can pair it with tights and boots for a winter look. Whenever I shop I try to seek out items that can be worn thru out the year. 

      I love pairing sporty converse with girly dresses for easy Summer time fashion. Sneakers are comfortable, adorable, and I've been able to find Converse at Ross all the time for unbelievable prices! I'm also hoping that my bright converse will add a pop of color to dreary rainy day ensembles as Fall begins to approach. 

Hat- Target, Sun Glasses- Coach, Dress- Missoni for Target,
Bag- Kate Spade, Watch- Michael Kors, Shoes- Converse

       What are some of your favorite remix items? I'd love to know!

Yours,
Nico

Small Morsels:

A crystal ball display at my favorite downtown Santa Cruz antique store, Jessie May's.

      Just a small glimpse into my life the past week. Lots of little snapshots from here and there. I was lucky enough to do some entertaining this past week, as well as take a nice stroll to downtown Santa Cruz to do some serious window shopping (just looking of course!) and to get some exercise. What were you up to? I'd love to know!

Chocolate chai cupcakes with cinnamon and nutmeg frosting, seriously amazing.

Lots of green dishware at Bunny's Boutique, I wish the juicer came home with me.

Thrifty manicure: Borrowed the nail polish from a friend and
painted my nails myself. I love this mousy neutral shade.

Just a reminder...

Serving platter transformed into a kitchen chalk board with a little paint. 

Vintage cash register at local sandwich shop, Zoccoli's. 

Yours,

Nico

Countertop Coffee Bar:

      On the weekends, I love to relax and really enjoy a cup of coffee. The kind of cup that seems to last well into the afternoon as you plow thru stacks of newspapers, periodicals, and fashion magazines. On the flip side, I also need a cup of caffeine during those rushed and chaotic days. My early morning coffee ritual starts in the kitchen, so I try to make the experience as appealing and stream lined as possible by creating a countertop coffee bar. This caffeinated vignette is perfect for those early mornings when you need your daily dose and you're eyes aren't alert enough to sift thru your pantry and cupboards for all the essentials. I try to keep mine stocked with everything I need for the ideal mocha, latte, or espresso, here's how you can too:

*I found these inexpensive cups at Ross and I love them because they make me feel like I'm in a quaint and stylish coffee shop, except I don't have to pay $4 for a cup of joe. They have the added bonus of being used as juice glasses, just remove the handles!

*I made this simple piece of art using construction paper. I just free
handed the letters, cut them out, glued them to paper, and framed!
*Having pieces of chocolate near your coffee bar is essential for making mochas. I received these gold chocolate hearts as part of a party favor from a recent wedding and have been adding bits to my coffee ever since.

*Everything you need to really get your day started right!

       I hope that your weekend can spare some time for a least a few relaxing moments with a cup of freshly brewed coffee like I hope to do tomorrow morning. Remember to try and enjoy the small daily pleasures of life!

Yours,
Nico

Multiple (Style) Personalities:

Mouse Ears- Disneyland, Sunglasses- Random Boutique in LA, Scarf- The
 Limited, Shoes- Kate Spade, Nail Polishes- Deborah Lippman, OPI, Chanel

Bag- Kate Spade, Gold bracelet- Givenchy, Scarf- Missoni for Target,
 Watch- Michael Kors, Nail Polish- Chanel's "Holiday," Sunglasses- Coach,
 Green Bracelet- Banana Republic, Shoes- Miu Miu

Bag- Kate Spade, Shoes- Prada, Pearls- Gifted, Scarf- Vintage
Oscar De La Renta, Nail Polish- OPI, Lipstick- Chanel

Bra- Victoria's Secret, Hat- Gap, Nail Polish- Chanel's "Peridot," Sunglasses-
 Chloe,  Bracelets- Gifted, Watch- Michael Kors, Shoes- Max Studio

      Just a few odds and ends from my accessory wardrobe. It was fun to group everything into different categories. I'd like to think of each vignette as a different side of my personal style, which one is your favorite?

Yours,
Nico