Small Morsels: Valentine's Edition!

Chanel perfume + framed Valentine's card from my father.

      Valentine's Day is exactly one week away and as the day nears my excitement grows! I have always had an affinity towards this holiday in particular because I believe that it is truly vital and essential to tell the people we care for, just how much we love them! I feel like we shouldn't need a special day to remember to be kind to those who care for us... but sometimes a holiday gives you that little nudge to go the extra mile. I'm looking forward to handing out small indulgent treats to my girlfriends, writing thoughtful letters to beloved family members, and giving my guy lots of affection and baked goods! Here are some sickeningly sweet images that have me drooling for Valentine's Day to arrive as soon as possible:

You're so hot, I have to wear shades!

Mini cupcake lip glosses to gift to my special girlfriends. 

Lipstick love letters left around the house for my boyfriend.

Lavender rose buds and caramel, pistachio, and olallieberry macaroons.

Ruby and Diamond ring ala' Blair Waldorf.

Special red & pink lingerie.

Yours,
Nico

Menswear Monday: Chumash

      Some of you may have noticed occasions here and here where I have showcased slightly unusual photography with my hand crafted accessories on display. Today, for "Menswear Monday" I am featuring my boyfriend Shahin, who is wearing a dyed turquoise and banded agate necklace. Shahin is half Native American (a decendent of the local Chumash tribe no less) and I was inspired by his heritage to take these photographs. He is wearing traditional Chumash face markings with a vintage button up shirt. I love the bands of layered rock in the agate necklace he has on. Fashion tip: not sure if many fellows know this but I believe that wearing some type of interesting necklace is a great way to attract conversations in social gatherings. People often stop to ask about whatever stone or interesting item you have on!

      I also took a photography class in school last semester and I have been experimenting with my new camera ever since. I'm truthfully not very skilled since the previous photo class I took was in high school where I only used a manual black and white film camera, this new Canon Rebel is a foreign object to me. However I somehow managed to adjust the settings to manual and remember a couple of my old habits. Please bare with me on this journey to improve my blog's photography!

Yours,
Nico

If I were a jazz musician...

Beanie- American Apparel, Coat- BCBG, Brooch- Vintage Find, Denim- Gap, Bag- YSL, Shoes- Coach, Sunglasses- Michael Kors, Watch- Michael Kors, Bracelets-Coach

      Many of you may not know this but for quiet a long time I was a total band geek (not nearly as cool as the jazz musician in the mural behind me). I played baritone saxophone and I loved that huge hunk of metal to pieces! My classmates would refer to me as Lisa Simpson, but whenever someone asked who inspired me to play sax I would always respond with: "the blue M&M of course!" These days I eat more blue M&Ms than actually playing the sax but who knows, that could change in time!

      I wore this particular outfit on a casual walk thru downtown Santa Cruz, my favorite local spot. It has been too cold to go out with out a hat lately and I've been wearing this American Apparel beanie constantly. I think I own this style in three colors, so I highly recommend making a purchase if you are in the market for a new cold weather item. The BCBG coat I have on was a holiday gift from my sister, Claire. She knows me well and found this stunner at a consignment shop and I couldn't be more happy with the classic piece. 

Yours,

Nico

Archie's Girls for Mac Cosmetics:

      You know that question that keeps you awake at night or that nagging feeling at the pit of your stomach that never goes away? The eternal question that every girl struggles with at one point or another in her existance: am I a Betty, or am I a Veronica? I'm referring to Archie Comics of course, the eternal tale of an adorable ginger named Archie at Riverdale High School trying to decide between a lusty and rich brunette or a wholesome blonde girl next door type. Well ladies, the query is over, Mac Cosmetics has enabled us to not have to make up our minds by creating a makeup collaboration with Archie Comics! So if you could never decide if you loved Betty's innocent eyelashes or Ronnie's sultry pout more, now you can have both!

      As a child (okay maybe I still feel this way...) I adored Archie Comics! The pages saturated with bright colors and kitschy comments, how could I not? However, I always held a candle in my heart for Jug Head over Archie (I preferred his affinity towards cheeseburgers). And while I could never decide who Archie should be with: Betty, Veronica, or  even the semi-regular Cheryl Blossom, I do know why he had such a hard time deciding. The girls all wore the best MAC Cosmetics of course, to make themselves as pretty and irresistible as possible!

      Similar to my cookie addiction, I also happen to be a cosmetic junkie connoisseur. Years ago I actually worked for MAC and hoarded quiet the extensive collection at the time. As a previous MAC employee, I couldn't be more excited to simply purchase and enjoy this collaboration with Archie Comics rather than having to sell it to the masses at a Flagship location! "Archie's Girls for MAC Cosmetics" launches online @ www.MAC-Cosmetics.com January 31st and in stores on February 7th, just in time for Valentine's day! These are some of my favorite shades and colors from the upcoming collection:

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Lipstick in "Daddy's Little Girl"
(I'm dying for this one, my favorite shade!)

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Lipstick in "Girl Next Door"

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Lipstick in "Ronnie Red"

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Lipgloss in "Strawberry Malt"

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Nail Lacquer in "Pep, pep, pep."

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Nail Lacquer in "Double Trouble"

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Face Powder in "Veronica's Blush"

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Powder Blush in "Cream Soda"

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Powder Blush in "Prom Princess"

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Pigment in "Lucky In Love"

M.A.C. Archie's Girls Pigment in "Cheers My Dear"

      I know I'll be wanting to dash out on February 7th to sample some of these comic book cosmetic goodies, will you?

Yours,

Nico

Blueberry & Lemon Scones With White Chocolate Chips:

      There is this local cafe that makes thee best scones. I'm talking bacon and goat cheese scones, cinnamon pecan, and even cheddar cranberry jalapeno! It's considered a special occasion and a bit of an indulgence when I stop in for my favorite coffee drink and a pastry. When I say that these outings are a little indulgent, I am also saying that they are pricey. Heading out for a cup of joe and a bite to eat can become a costly endeavor so to save a few dollars I decided to make scones of my own (hey that rhymes)! I baked up a batch of sweet treats to have as snacks through out the week. I have never made scones from scratch and decided to give these buttery triangles a try. My head was buzzing as I tried to think of various flavor combinations... cinnamon, butter scotch, pecan or maybe cranberry & orange? In the end I whipped up a couple dozen flaky and buttery blueberry lemon scones with indulgent white chocolate chips. I've been munching on them all week in the early mornings for breakfast and they look and taste just as special as the ones from my favorite local bakery! 

     It's a wide known fact that Sundays are my absolute favorite days of the week! I hope everyone is enjoying the last bits of the weekend and taking good care!

Yours,
Nico

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