Winter Reading:

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, I have read this several times thru out my life
and I love it! The world is at war with an alien race and young children are being
trained for space combat, a great read for young adults and guys. When I found out
 the movie was going to be released next year (starring Harrison Ford!) I knew I had
 to reread it again!

      My friend Ivana (over at Macaroons & Pearls) has been posting about her latest reads and I thought to myself "What a wonderful idea!" Since the rainy season is upon us, I know I will be spending less time in my garden and more time inside reading books. Although my physical body will be wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket accompanied by a hot cup of tea, my imagination (with the help of a few books!) will be off having amazing adventures and learning new knowledge. I have a very eclectic taste in books so I am sure there is a subject for everyone in my selection. Take a quick peek at what I am reading now and I will let let you guys in on my reviews in a few weeks! 

I found this in an old box and I'm excited to read local ghost stories
 by candle light in the coming days before Halloween.

I found Style by Lauren Conrad in a discount bin and decided to give Lauren
Conrad a chance. I never watched The Hills or Laguna Beach so I don't know much about her but I love her clothes in all the tabloid magazine pictures that I see in the grocery store!

Lemons and Lavender  by Billee Sharp: I admit that I have already begun reading this one. Full of interesting content on a variety of subjects like how to start your own garden, start a budget, making your own holiday gifts, and plenty of other ways to reduce your home spending, how to utilize the environment, and live better! I can't wait to pick it up again to be honest. 

Gemstones of the World by Walter Schumann: I have been constantly reading this book for several weeks now and will continue to do so for a long time. Full of information about minerals and precious stones including great color photos. Really fantastic guide if you are interested in what makes up our earth!

     I hope you guys could find a good book to cozy up with! Here's a recipe that might help keep you warm as the days cool down:

Magic Ingredients:
-2 cups hot earl grey tea
-1 orange
-honey (to taste)
(serves 2)

Directions:
1: Cut two slices of orange to garnish each cup of citrus tea, juice the remainder of the orange.
2: Pour the hot tea into two cups, split the juice of the orange between the servings, and add honey to taste (I prefer lavender), garnish with orange slices.
3: Sip and enjoy with a good book! (PS, you could add a shot of whiskey if you're into that too!)

Yours,
Nico

A Haute Halloween:

(Dia De Los Muertos)

(Dia De Los Muertos)

(Dia De Los Muertos)

      With Halloween fast approaching, I couldn't help but post a couple of my favorite costumes. There's just something mysterious and daring about masquerading for the night as something scary. However this year I opted for a disguise that's a bit more comical and fun! Stay tuned for a peek at my costume for this upcoming Hallow's Eve!

Yours,
Nico

Cinnamon Chai Cake:

      This past weekend I attended a fabulous Halloween party, complete with creepy decor, good friends, and of course, a homemade cake! I couldn't resist the opportunity to get back into the kitchen and get creative and this recipe is no exception. I did take a few short cuts (I wanted the extra time to work on my Halloween costume), and ended up using a box of cake mix that I then doctored up to the fullest! The icing is a pumpkin and cream cheese and the cake is colored dark black and flavored with loads of cinnamon and chai tea! This recipe my appear elaborate but it's really quite simple, here's how:

Magic Ingredients:

(for the cake)

-2 boxes white cake mix (plus all ingredients listed on packaging)

-1 teaspoons black food coloring

-2 bags of loose leaf chai tea, 

-4 tablespoons cinnamon

(for the frosting)

-1 pound cream cheese at room temp.

-2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (found in most chain grocery stores)

-1 tablespoon cinnamon

-2 cups powdered sugar 

*Candy garnishes for decoration (optional)

Directions:
1: Prepare the cake mix per the directions on the box. Add black food coloring, chai tea leaves, and cinnamon to the mix. Divid batter between three nine inch greased cake pans and bake as directed. 
2: After the cake has been baked, allow them to cool and come to room temperature. While you are waiting prepare the icing.
3: In a standard mixer, blend cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, powdered sugar, and cinnamon together until combined and smooth. 
4: Now assemble the cake. First layer one pan of cake on a plate (or cake stand), then a thick layer of frosting, then another cake until all three layers of cake are stacked together. 
5: Frost the cake entirely with a "crumble layer" of frosting. Place the cake into the fridge until the frosting has hardened. Layer with more frosting and decorate with Halloween candy to finish!

Have you been cooking up any special Halloween treats?

Yours,

Nico

Out The Door:

     This 10 dollar dress really is a fantastic element in my wardrobe (previously featured here). I love wearing it now with bare legs and strappy sandals but the snake pattern is perfect for fall paired with hunter green tights and boots. As much as I dread the cold season each year I am doing my best to embrace the holidays and all their festivities! On Saturday I attended a fabulous Halloween costume party, what were you up to this weekend?

(Aviators- Vintage Gucci, Moldavite Necklace- Self Constructed, Denim Jacket- Forever 21, Dress- Michael Michael Kors, Seraphinite Bracelet- Self Constructed, Watch- Michael Kors, Sandals- Vintage Prada, Bag- Vintage Coach

Yours,
Nico

$pending The Time:

     When it comes to fashion, it usually pays to hunt for the best deal. After reading thru piles of chic blogs and seeing even more stylish advertisements in grocery store magazines I can't help but want to shop, who wouldn't feel that way? However, saving a few dollars and really searching out the best prices on long lasting quality items can sometimes be the way to go when it comes to retail therapy. I am a huge supporter of lurking the sales racks in every boutique and finding those hidden treasures in a local charity shop. I have also recently discovered my town's Antique Fair which is held once a month and has recently gifted me with some very  inexpensive coach bags (like the Wallis bag featured in this post). Crossroads Trading Co has quickly become one of my all time favorite spots over the years because I love the idea of recycled fashion, you bring in your old clothes and go home with new (to you) garments! So even though I am continually barricaded with advertisements and the like, I know I can get my shopping fix by purchasing quality items that will last and last without going home with a severely sad wallet!

Prada leather sandals purchased at a ridiculously
low price at Crossroads Trading Co.

Sunglasses- Vintage Gucci (via Twist!),
 Leather Duffle Bag- Coach

I spotted this dress at the Michael Kors store several seasons ago, but after seeing the $150 price tag I only admired from a far. Recently, I plucked the same dress off of a Marshall's sale rack for $10!

     I hope that the next time you find yourself needing a new item for your wardrobe that you will be inspired to hunt down the perfect quality item at the perfect price for your budget! We all deserve to look amazing while tucking away a few extra dollars! Try your local charity shops (like Goodwill and Salvation Army), Crossroads, or even a local antique fair or flea market! 

Yours,

Nico