Missoni 4 Target

It's coming near! Another designer collaboration with Target debuts sept 13 2011. I can't wait see what's in stores! Will this be another SOLD OUT designer at Target like Alexander McQ?

La Ferme Julien Rose review

I paired this bottle of rose with a spiced mushroom marinara spaghetti for dinner. I had 2 glasses of it....and I was drunk. -.-

1) it is DRINKABLE, with 2+ people
2) 13.5% alcohol content
3) tannins were quite distinct I must say. But it finishes nicely, in that the blech taste doesn't linger
4) somewhat burns when swallowed
5) doesn't NOT give pounding headaches hours later (yay!)

Verdict: will not purchase again. My search for a good Rose continues...

Collection of Trader Joe Wines!

Hello world! Sorry I've been MIA due to studying time. Recently, I've been watching re-runs of "Take Home Chef" and it got me all tangled in pairing wine with my dinners. Four new wine purchases were made for testing:
Cocobon red $6.99
Joseph Handler sweet red $4.99
La ferme julien rose $4.99
Espiral vinho verde $3.99

My favorite (affordable) wine is Sara Bee for $5.99, which is why I bought 2. All my friends know I am not a wine connoisseur. My taste in wine is sweet, almost like juice! My previous star was Michele Chiarlo Nivoli, ~$16/half bottle; also extremely sweet. It was definitely a table pleaser amongst my friends, but totally a ding to my wallet. Sara Bee is perfect in terms of price and sweetness. I paired it with salted apples and it was delicious!

I'll provide my feedback on the new wines I got, later.

Sur La Table Macaron class!

Yay! The SLT Mac class was great! This course provided each person with a small packet (i honestly haven't had a chance to rummage through it) that comes with macaron piping patterns, which were quite helpful! The class was separated into groups and each group had a designated flavor. At the end, we all shared the various flavored goodies! My cousin and I made the cassis (black currant) cookie with blueberry jam cream filling. That was my favorite flavor! I finally learned the proper technique of macronnage and that the resting period should be no more than 15 minutes! Also, a particular water-based GEL food coloring must be used when making macarons, or else, you'll ruin them with an oil-base or excessively watery dye! Making macarons are somewhat similar to Organic/chemistry labs -.- must be anal with the techniques AND ingredient amounts! I am really considering to make a laboratory notebook for all my macaron attempts at home. I cannot wait until I can steal some time to try my next batch >.< teehee

I have loads more photos coming soon!

LC

I just LOVE Lauren Conrad's style. Always elegant and chic, yet totally simple. She is hardly busy-busy nor all-over-the-place shabby looking. I will definitely wear all the outfits below. Especially the center maxi dress outfit! Flawless!

Hosting-ware

I enjoy hosting intimate get-togethers. So I've been searching for the perfect 3-tiered server. I always had in mind that serving ware should be silver. Due to the steep price of this elegant skyscraper, $75, I have searched for alternatives. I was just about to settle for the ceramic-esc server from Target sold at $29.99 (currently on sale for $19.99), until I saw some similar silver servers at my cousin's housewarming. They were gorgeous! And look a gazillion timed better in silver vs ceramic off-white. My heart is shouting, "it's definitely worthy!" But my wallet is gasping for air. When I get my hands on a laptop, I must make a poll per this decision! *sparkling eyes*

Best ice cream scooper

Sur La Table recently sent me a complimentary $10 certificate. I'm supposing it's because we're like neighbors! Of course $10 is just the beginning -.- I've been looking for something to get from the kitchen gem. I decided to get a proper ice cream scoop! Apparently, Zeroll scoops are legendary. Known as the best and only ice cream scoop you'll ever need in your lifetime! And so, what they claim is true! It cut through my ice cream like a Wustof blade. Prettily rolled into cute parlor balls and easily rolled right off into the cup.

The Talenti Italian gelato is from Henry's, on sale @ 2/$6! Delish!

Verdict, the Zeroll was a happy buy! Great Lifetime investment (hah)