Live Fast Cause It Won't Last:

Live Fast by nsaich featuring a printed shirt

      Life just seems a bit sweeter when the month of March hits. Sunlight starts flooding my bedroom window as a welcome wake up call in the early mornings and I can't help but feel the need to seize the day! When warmer weather hits, you can typically find me using every spare moment that I can find to really enjoy even the most mundane of tasks. Gardening becomes a hobby instead of a chore and even doing the dishes seems pleasant while looking out a near by window at the lovely weather. There are so many little things in life to be enjoyed and taken advantage of, you just have to change your perspective. Side bar, I just got new prescription glasses and I am beginning to wonder if the lenses were made slightly rose tinted! Here are a few other things that make me see pink:

1: Super Nintendo- Growing up, my childhood friend Megan and I would spend any sunny day we could find out in the backyard by the pool. When it got too warm we'd head inside for an intense session of Super Nintendo. I like the idea of reviving that tradition but replace the pool with the Santa Cruz beach!

2: Floral Printed Gardening Tools- because a perky print makes potting and planting that much more fun.

3: Bright & Zesty Flats- Ideal for running around town and having adventures.  

4: Luscious Fragrances- I've been wanting to indulge my sense of smell lately with lovely scents and candles. Marc Jacobs "Daisy" seems to be the perfectly perky floral and if I could get my hands on a Diptyque green mint candle I'd be set. 

5: Insect Jewelry- I've been scoring inexpensive bug themed brooches at vintage fairs (styled with a floral dress here) and I've been wearing them with everything in my closet. Lately I'm digging those classic lady bug studs.

6: High Waisted Skirts- After wearing lots of layers all Winter, I'm looking forward to swingy printed skirts with lots of movement. 

7: Catch Phrase Sweatshirt- Lately I dig the idea of motivational catch phrases printed onto an everyday basic, like this gray sweatshirt. A constant reminder to stay on the right track.

Yours,

Nico

PS: You can always keep in contact with me on Twitter, Instagram, Polyvore, Pinterest, and Facebook! 

Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies:

      It really doesn't get any better than a glass of ultra chilled milk and a just baked, still warm from the oven, home made, chocolate chip cookie. Actually... that's a lie, there is one thing that would make an already perfect snack even more flavorful and delicious, salt. This is one of my favorite and most utilized ingredients and I am loving the idea of adding a touch of salt to sweet baked goods. Sea salt is the best thing to use as a finishing salt and it's rocky texture balances well with these doughy chocolate chip cookies. I like to follow my favorite (and secret) chocolate chip cookie recipe, roll the prepared dough into tablespoon sized balls and gently dust them in sea salt before baking. I used black hawaiian sea salt for these cookies so you could really see the colored flecks on camera. If you are wanting to kick up the taste and favor on your regular chocolate chip cookie recipe, try adding a bit of salt to finish!

      I know I said I that my chocolate chip cookie recipe is secret (much like my red velvet cake recipe) but I will tell you that if you beat your butter and sugar together until they are very light and fluffy, it will produce a much chewier cookie!


Yours,
Nico

PS: I am now on Twitter, Chictopia, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram and trying to be more active on each site! Let's get connected and stay in touch : )

Missoni Miss You:

Hat- American Apparel, Sunglasses- Gucci, Blazer- Theory, Hoodie-
American Apparel,  Rolling Stones T: Target, Denim: Alloy, Bag- YSL,
Rain Boots: Missoni (Get yours on sale here)

  I mentioned way back here that I dig layering blazers and hoodies to add extra warmth when the weather is cold and harsh. The skies have been overcast recently and I thought that I'd throw on my rain boots for puddle jumping too. I love how these boots by Missoni look as if they used to be striped but then the Santa Cruz rains made the colors run together in the most artful way possible. 

      I'll be staying in this evening listening to my collection of Rolling Stones records and getting some baking done. I feel like I have been hoarding marshmallows, various chocolate chips, and sprinkles just for overcast days like this one. What are some of your go to cold weather activities?

Yours,
Nico

Archie's Girls for MAC:

     

     If you read this post then you are likely very aware of my heightened desire for the Archie's Girls for MAC collection. As a kid I would always secretly try to sneak the latest issue of Archie's Double Digest into the grocery store shopping cart right before check out. I loved witnessing Archie's continually struggle over who he loved more: Betty... or Veronica? I always understood why he could never choose! Betty the blonde is sweet and caring while brunette Veronica sizzles with appeal and allure, I wouldn't be able to make a choice either. I suppose now I don't have to with my Betty and Veronica (why was it never Veronica and Betty?) inspired cosmetics! I am even more elated to say that most of these items were a truly lovely gift from Shahin for Valentine's Day, he really knows how to make a girl feel special. 

Lipstick from left to right: Ronnie Red, Daddy's Little Girl, & Girl Next Door. I LOVE the first two featured shades but I have to say that I am going to return the baby pink because it is too  much of a silvery pale pink on my skin. Ronnie Red is a stand out cherry red shade with hints of fuschia and I can't wait to wear it. Daddy's Little Girl is also a new favorite and is unlike any other shade I own, a vivid electric berry plum color. 

Betty's "Kiss & Don't Tell" lipglass. I lovely coral shade that I hope to wear often this Spring and Summer. I'm typically more of a lipstick girl but I loved this shade too much to resist!

Betty's Caramel Sunday eye palette and opulash mascara were both gifts from Shahin and while I would have never thought to purchase them for myself I am most happy with these pieces! The eyeshadows are great neutral shades that I will wear each and everyday along with the mascara.

This blush in "Cream Soda" is a great light coral that can be worn light and sheer or applied with a heavier hand for a more sculpted and dramatic look.

      After receiving these adorable cosmetics I was inspired to go looking for my own collection of Archic comics and I managed to find a few from the 90s! I love that the classic art work is reflected on the MAC Archie's Girls products. Each morning while applying my daily make up routine I will be reminded of happy childhood memories, how nostalgic is that?

Yours,
Nico

Appetizers For Two:

      

     I adore the notion of staying in the evening of Valentine's Day and enjoying a quiet night with my loved one. Shahin must love me (or be nuts over me, as in crazy) because he agreed to watch the 90s version of Sabrina with me on VHS tape starring Greg Kinnear, Harrison Ford, and the stunning Julia Ormond in the title role. I thought no movie night is complete without something to snack on and Valentine's Day called for something especially elegant. Although I want to serve something fancy, I know I also need something simple to prepare so that I can enjoy the movie. I decided to make baked crostini with prosciutto wrapped string beans for the occasion. Just pre heat the oven to 350 degrees and fill a prepared baking sheet with string beans wrapped in salty prosciutto and slices of baguette brushed with olive oil. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes then serve with tasty extras like dried tangy cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese! 

       Watching the 90s remake of Sabrina is one of my own personal traditions, do you have any for Valentine's Day? I wish you all lots of love and take care!

Happy Valentine's

Day !!!

Yours,

Nico