Cheers to a New Year

As 2010 comes to a close, there are many things to look back fondly.  It was an incredible year. 

I appreciate all of you for following along in my blog journey and look forward to playing with all of you in 2011.

Best wishes and CHEERS.  See you next year.

Infused Vodka for New Year's Eve

The hubby loves the flavor of black licorice and enjoys sipping on Absinthe.  I thought it would be fun to make black licorice infused vodka for martini's on New Years Eve. 

Infusing spirits is so much fun! Its a great way to experiment with your own personal tastes.  The concept is easy, just combine a favorite flavor into a base liquor to create a custom spirit. 



Here are a few steps you can follow:

1. Choose your spirit:

Your base spirit will set the foundation for a good infusion. Choosing a decent spirit that is smooth and clean will allow the added flavors to shine.
 
2. Choose your flavors:

Herbs, spices and fruits are most comonly used for infusions. Use your imagination to create some wonderful combinations, there are so many choices out there.

3. The Beginning:

The process itself is very easy. Choose a clean, air-tight jar: I like to use drink dispensers as they are nice to look at, quart sized mason jars will work as well.
 
4. Infusion Time:

You will want to store your infusion in a cool, dark place and shake or stir it 3-5 times a day for the duration of the infusion. On average the ingredients should stay in the liquor for 3-5 days. Some of your more intense flavors will only need 3 days, less intense flavors should stay in the jar for a full week or more.  Taste every few days to get the flavor you are looking for.
 
5. The Finish:

Once your infusion has reached it's peak in flavor you'll need to take the flavoring ingredients out of the jar. Use a fine strainer or paper coffee filter to strain the vodka into another clean jar.
 
ENJOY!

I Love My New.....

I love my new black glitter TOMS.  Just the perfect little shoe for my day back to work after a wonderful weekend.  Everything is better with glitter, right?

TOMS Shoes can be found here or here

The Happiest of Holidays

Mom, Dad and Hubby, Conservatory of Flowers, Ferry Building, Champagne and Wine, Good Food, Union Square = The Happiest of Holidays. 

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend filled with love and good cheer.

Love to all!

Latest eBay Purchase

I know, I know, presents are to be purchased for other people not yourself, but Santa said I have been a very good girl and deserved this Lee Angel necklace.

Thanks Santa (aka ME)

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. I am heading to San Francisco with my hubby and parents for the holiday.  A Union Square Hotel Christmas for lots of good food and cheer, can't wait! What are everyone else's Holiday plans?

Comfortable

A comfortable sweatshirt for the office? Yep, I did it and totally happy about it. Please don't judge, I was cold this morning and really did not want to get out of my PJ's. I compromised by throwing on a comfy sweatshirt instead of calling in sick. They are not just for lounging anymore!

(Side note, I would never call in sick I am a good girl, I promise.)

Top- Stem (Nordstrom)
Skirt- J Crew
Tights- Simply Vera Wang
Boots- REPORT (Nordstrom)
Brooch- Vintage (my Grandmother's)

Evergreen

I found this dress for a mere $27.00, I just love keeping my wallet ever green with those dollars especially when I am trying to buy last minute gifts for all that are near and dear to my heart.  4 more shopping days until Christmas, how is everyone doing? Are you ready?

Dress- Banana Republic
Shoes- Sam Edelman
Tights- Hue

We Now Return to our Regularly Scheduled Programming

Hello my lovely blog friends, I am back from being out of the loop for a couple of weeks for personal matters and sooo happy to be back to normal and doing the things I love. 

Hard to believe it is Christmas week, yikes!  So in honor of old Saint Nick I am wearing holiday red tights today .  HO HO HO friends, oh how I have missed you.  Can't wait to catch up on all your blogs and read what all of you have been doing during my absence.

Hugs!

Sweater Dress- Banana Republic
Tights- We Love Colors
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell
Cuff- Stella and Dot

Boutique of the Month- Magpie

It is that time of year where I am always looking for fun and new gift ideas. I found this new little shop called Magpie in Willow Glen.
Magpie is a European vintage inspired lifestyle boutique, specializing in home, garden and gift items.
If you get a chance stop in a say hello and pick up a trinket or two. Magpie is located on 1173 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125.

Outfit number 23 includes:
Jeans- Gap
Cardigan- J Crew
Tee- J Crew
Shoes- Simply Vera Wang
Scarf- Simply Vera Wang

Outfit Number 22 Dedicated to One Fashionable Lady

Today's outfit is dedicated to my Grandmother Grace who has left us at 100 years young. Growing up I spent many days playing in her fully stocked closet stuffed with glamourous outfits, hats, shoes and jewelry that was always overflowing.  I could spend hours in there! My Grams handmade me the most sassy outfits and always made a matching outfit for my barbie doll. How cool was that?

Thank you Grandma for introducing me to fashion and the love of a great pair of shoes. You were one fashionable lady and will be forever missed.  (March 5, 1910- December 2, 2010)

Outfit number 22 includes:
Sweater- H&M
Boots- Target
Jeans- Gap
Hat- H&M
Necklace- Lee Angel
Sweater Vest- H&M (not included in my 30, but I was cold and too lazy to grab a jacket!)

Thanksgiving 1976; I am wearing an outfit she made me.



4th of July 2009



Happy 21st

No, no it is not my 21st birthday (I wish). I am on outfit number 21 and oh so happy it is Friday. I am really busy, so today's entry is short and sweet.

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Outfit number 21 includes:
Dress- Tucker for Target
Jacket- Trouve
Tights- Target
Vintage Pins
Shoes- Simply Vera Wang

What's your Twenty?

Hey Hey my blog friends what’s your twenty? I am here at work in San Jose, California wearing my 20th challenge outfit. It sure is nice to be out of the teens and rolling towards the home stretch. I am afraid this outfit was not my most creative, but sure feels nice on this wintery day.

Day 20 outfit includes:
Skirt- Halogen
Blouse- Banana Republic
Boots- Target
Sequin Bag- Simply Vera Wang

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Leonhardt household. I started with the mantle and will move to the tree this weekend. I love this time of year!

Day 19- What Would Kendi Do?

As I look at my stash of 30 pieces trying to come up with some fabulous remix idea I think to myself, what would Kendi do? I mean she is the remix master you know. Today was one of those days. Normally I would never think to combine a tank over a striped tee but today, it popped into my head that I could totally get away with it. Thanks Kendi for broadening my remix horizons.

Day 19 outfit includes:
Tee- J Crew
Tank- J Crew
Jeans- Gap
Shoes- Simply Vera Wang
Ribbons used for a belt

To see the remix master Kendi please see here.