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.

18 out of 30- Pop of Color

Slowly plugging along on the 30 for 30 challenge, for my outfit number 18 added a pop of color to try and rejuvenate myself a bit. The challenge is really starting to get difficult and I am dying for something new.  I have really enjoyed reading all of the other bloggers that are participating in the challenge, you are all so inspirational. Keep up the great work!  How is everyone else doing on the challenge?  Are you feeling like you are in a rut and have lost your creative juices? 

Day 18 outfit includes:
Dress- Simply Vera Wang
Sweater- H&M
Belt- Forever 21
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell
Tights- Hue

Frasier Fir

My friends at Cathedral sent me this fabulous candle that fills the air with the crisp scent of fir needles. This was just the thing to get me in the mood yesterday to start decking the halls.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.  A little cold here in the bay area, but that did not stop me from having some fun times with family and friends.  How was your holiday?

Thymes Frasier Fir Candle $27.50

Candles can be found at Cathedral

Day 17 outfit includes:
Skirt- Gap
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell
Tights- Forever 21
Jacket- Bellatrix

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I had such a wonderful day with friends and family and have so much to be thankful for. Much love to you all.

Day 16 outfit includes:
Top- Amanda Uprichard
Leather shorts- Club Monaco
Tights- Hue
Necklace- Simply Vera Wang
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell

Thanksgiving Tradition- Shoofly Pie

Thanksgiving is about family, friends, food and traditions. Many families have certain items that are must haves at the big feast and my family is no different. My mom asks me every year to make her favorite pie, Shoofly.  This treat is a fluffy molasses pie considered traditional among the Pennsylvania Dutch.  I made it last night and thought I would share.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Shoofly Pie

1 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 cup light or dark brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup hot water
2/3 cup dark molasses
1 unbaked 9" pie shell

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Combine flour, brown sugar, butter and salt, rub mixture to form crumbs.  Dissolve the baking soda in water and combine with molasses.
Pour molasses into pie shell, sprinkle in crumbs.
Bake 30-40 minutes or until filing is set.

Woo Hoo- Half way there on the 30 for 30 Challenge!
Day 15 outfit includes:
Jacket- Hinge
Pants- The Limited
Tee- Club Monaco
Flats- Simply Vera Wang
Necklaces- Flying Lizard
Cuff- Stella & Dot

And so it Begins

And so it begins, the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I am starting to get excited as lights are starting to be strung and holiday tunes are being played. I also get a little stressed as there is always so much to do and so little time to do it.

Here are a few tips that I try to follow to help me slow down and enjoy the holiday season:

1. Have a plan and make lists.
2. Shop for gifts early (don't wait until the week of);
3. Pick and choose holiday activities (you don't have to do everything);
4. Build time in to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit around you.
5. Take a walk or drive and view holiday lights and decorations;
6. A glass of wine (of course, that goes without saying);
7. Ask for help. Have a gift wrapping gathering or bake cookies with a friend.
8. Address Christmas cards a few at a time (who says you have to do them all at once).

A few aromatherapy products that I love from the Body Shop: These treasures help me reduce stress.

On another note, almost halfway through the 30 for 30 challenge!
Day 14 outfit includes:
Dress- Tucker for Target
Belt- Anthropologie
Tights- Simply Vera Wang
Booties- Steve Madden
Necklace- Vintage (my Mom's)

13 Going on 30

No, I did not wake up on my 13th birthday and become 30. (I always manage to watch that silly Jennifer Garner movie whenever its on).  I am on day 13 of the 30 for 30 challenge. Must admit it is getting a little harder, I miss being able to wear other items (shoes especially).  How is everyone else doing with the challenge?

Day 13 outfit includes:
Jeans- Gap
Sweater- H&M
Boots- Target
Necklace- H&M

What movie do you end up watching over and over? 

Days of Wine and Roses

Had a fabulous, rainy Saturday enjoying Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Passport Day.  If you ever are in Santa Cruz, it's a must try, there are so many great wineries.  See here for information.  Hope all of you are having a great Saturday. 

Day 12 outfit includes:
Jacket-Trouve
Jeans- Gap
Tank- Old Navy
Scarf-H&M
Hat- H&M
Clutch- Forever 21
Boots- Target

A favorite winery.

Deer we saw on the way to another winery.