I've recently had an epiphany - if I can actually pull off wearing hats, then why don't I? So I went out and bought myself a fedora. I got mine from Forever 21 (that way if I decided I hate it a few weeks from now I won't worry about wasting $12 - I've spent $12 on worse things). I couldn't find a picture of the exact one I bought, but here's another one that caught my eye. I've only worn mine once, but I'll be bringing it out again tonight for my New Year's Eve outfit.

     I've been obsessed with these Vivienne Westwood shoes since I first saw them. Considering they're made of plastic and have a giant heart, you'd think they'd be a little tacky, but it's almost like a more sophisticated version of little girl's dress-up shoes. No wonder I love them so much.

     My family tried out this new recipe the other day and I thought I'd share... It's quick to make (only takes 10 minutes to cook!) and taste great. My mom said that next time she'd try a different kind of cheese, but I loved the goat cheese. Either way, its an easy recipe to alter if you want to switch things up!

Asparagus Chicken Roulade

4 (1 3/4 lbs. total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and ground black pepper

4 tsp. Dijon mustard

8 slices prosciutto

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

8 asparagus stems, cut into 2-1/2 inch pieces

1. Heat broiler to high with rack 4 inches from heat. Line a baking sheet with foil; set aside. 

2. Slice chicken breasts horizontally into 2 thin pieces. If necessary, layer between sheets of plastic wrap  and pound to 1/4  inch thick. Lay breasts, smooth side down, on work surface; season with salt and pepper. Spread each with 1/2 tsp. dijon. Layer with prosciutto, goat cheese and asparagus. Roll up, starting at the wide end of each breast; place on the baking sheet, seam side down. 

3. Coat lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with pepper. Broil until chicken is cooked through and tops are golden, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through. 

Serves 4; 337 calories per serving

I love a good jumpsuit. But I'd take off that awful belt and switch it with this one from J.Crew!

     I'm out for the weekend! Here's a photo from an impromptu holiday photoshoot with my brother and our dog, Chloe, that we had earlier. I'm finally wearing my business casual outfit that I bought about three months ago! I hope everyone has a fantastic and safe holiday weekend. One last thing though - here is a great toast that I stumbled upon...

via

Bandage dresses will always have my heart. (P.S. Click on the image for the link!)

     A little late, and I apologize. However, if you're like me and the rest of my family, we're still doing our shopping!

1. Urban Outfitters Desert Boot, $58 - I just bought my boyfriend a pair of desert boots (although not from UO) for his birthday. GREAT shoes for a guy. 

2. Bobby Flay's Throwdown Recipes, $17 - I feel like every guy should know how to cook, even if its just a few recipes. Who better to learn from than Bobby Flay? 

3. Home Beer-Tap System, $290 - What guy wouldn't want this? No explanation is necessary for this one.

4. Mix Tape Pillow Case Set, $25 - These are my favorite on this list! Such a unique gift. 

5. Urban Outfitters Mass Wayfarer, $18 - These are a classic. 

6. Time Squared LED Clock, $50 - Comes in red or blue, but I'm liking the blue better. 

7. Customizable Chuck Taylor All Stars, $62 - I love the idea of customizing your own shoes. 

     The best part about the holidays is the food, hands down. Lucky for me, I've taken advantage of all of the great food since around Halloween (when the famous pumpkin cheesecake was first discovered) and I haven't stopped since. I'll be paying for my excessive eating come January, but until then I plan to stuff my face and enjoy every minute of it. What better way to begin my break from school than to make Christmas cookies? My mom made these a few years back for one of her annual Christmas cookie parties (shout out to my mom!) and I'd been hoping she'd make them again, but when she didn't, I decided to take it into my own hands. After using granulated sugar instead of confectioners' sugar (seriously, how many times have I made frosting? A LOT. Major rookie mistake.) I finally got them to turn out, with the exception of me being lazy and not poking the second half of them with a fork before putting them in the oven. They were still delicious, only now a few had air bubbles. Once again, they were a  big hit with my family - they were gone the next night! - but the only thing I have to warn you about is that they are REALLY small. Almost too small. Meaning you're going to want to eat twice as many as you normally would. But then again, that might not be a bad thing.

The recipe follows! It definitely didn't yield 4 dozen like the recipe said, but it still made a good amount.


Christmas Cookie Sandwiches


Cookies:
1 cup butter (no substitutes!), softened
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups all-purpose flour
Sugar

Filling:
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes!), softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Food coloring

In a mixing bowl, combine butter, cream, and flour; mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle. Divide into thirds; let one portion stand at room temperature for 15 minutes (keep remaining dough refrigerated until ready to roll out). On a floured surface, roll out dough into 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with a 1-1/2 inch round cookie cutter. Place cutouts in a shallow dish filled with sugar; turn to coat. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Prick with a fork several times. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until set. Cool on wire racks. For filling, in a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla. Tint with food coloring. Spread about 1 teaspoon of filling over half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies.

As the new year is coming (and finals are FINALLY almost over... one more tomorrow!) I have a list of things that I'll be posting about: 


- Delicious Christmas cookies I'll be making later today
- Gift guide for the boys in your life
- New Year's Resolutions
- My upcoming trip to Chicago! (Although I'm not going until January so you'll have to wait for that one a bit)
- My upcoming 21st birthday party, which will be more like an extravaganza because my roommate and I are combining our birthdays and she is literally making a wedding cake for the occasion. Not to mention that I am going balls out with decorations.
- My new favorite blogs
- More recipes, yum
- Review of shellac nail polish!

This is something that I am very passionate about. Even if you are unable to help or are not interested, it is important to be educated on our world's current events. 

{post via}

Can we eliminate poverty?  Yes.  We.  Can.

Some facts:

• The number of people living under the international poverty line of $1.25 a day declined from 1.8 billion to 1.4 billion between 1990 and 2005.
• The proportion of people living in extreme poverty in developing regionsdropped from 46 per cent to 27 per cent.
• The World Bank estimates that the effects of the economic crisis will push an additional 64 million people into extreme poverty in 2010, and that poverty rates will be slightly higher in 2015 and beyond than they would have been without the crisis, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern and South-Eastern Asia.
• About one in four children under the age of five is underweight in the developing world, down from almost one in three in 1990.
• Between 1990 and 2008, the proportion of underweight children under fivedeclined from 31 percent to 26 percent in developing regions with particular success in Eastern Asia, notably China.
• Over a 25-year period, the poverty rate in East Asia fell from nearly 60 per cent to under 20 per cent. Poverty rates are expected to fall to around 5 per cent in China and 24 per cent in India by 2015.
• Southern Asia alone accounts for almost half the world’s undernourished children. In all developing regions, children in rural areas are nearly twice as likely to be underweight as those in urban areas.
• In contrast, little progress has been made in reducing extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, where the poverty rate has declined only slightly, from 58 to 51 per cent between 1990 and 2005.
• The estimate of the number of people who will suffer chronic hunger this year is 925 million, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN — down from 1.023 billion in 2009, but still more than the number of undernourished people in 1990 (about 815 million).

There’s still a lot of work to do but poverty is something we can defeat.  Find out how you can help.

    If you know me at all, you know that I'm constantly painting my nails. I don't just do a single color, I do stripes, rhinestones, decals - you name it, and two days later I'm back to work because my polish has already chipped. I've tried numerous top coats - extra shiny, matte, even "hard as wraps," and as much as I hate to admit it, I've wasted a lot of money because none of them really work for longer than a day. But it's looking like I've found the answer to all of my nail problems. I recently heard about Shellac manicures, costing about $30-45 (depending on where you get it done), and the selling point is a manicure that lasts two full weeks without chipping. And there is absolutely no drying time. This is the answer to all of my manicure problems.
      Nail technicians use special Shellac (a hybrid nail polish containing no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP!) that you put under a special UV lamp after each coat of polish. There are four coats total - a base, two color and a top coat, but how nice would it be to actually be able to reach into your purse for your keys without ruining your just-done manicure? For the amount of money that I've spent getting my nails done and buying a ridiculous number of top coats, it's about time that they last for more than 5 minutes when I accidentally bump them trying to get in the car.
     Although you can't take Shellac off with regular nail polish, it only takes 10 minutes at the salon. A sticker is placed over each nail (so you can do something else while waiting, an added bonus), and after ten minutes the polish slides off. Check out the Shellac polish website for more information about how it works, where you can find a salon that offers it, and the colors available. I will definitely be getting this done over Christmas so be looking for a review of it. If anyone tries this before then, let me know how you like it!

     About two years ago I went to Middle Kingdom in Ann Arbor for the first time. BEST Chinese food I've ever eaten, not that I've eaten tons in my life, but it's by far the best I've had outside of Chintatown in NYC. Last weekend my roommate and I took our brothers there (it also just so happened to be on our list of things to do) and we all gorged ourselves. I just ordered appetizers (scallion pancakes and the crab rangoon were my favorite!) but everyone else got entrees and they are huge! But so worth it when you have leftovers for lunch the next day. 

     Continuing with my Chinese food theme, one my favorite recipes is BBQ Pot Stickers by the Neely's. It's an American twist on Chinese food that turns out to be delicious and not as hard as you'd expect. They're a favorite at family get togethers and it's nice because you can easily switch up the spices and barbeque sauce you use to tailor it to what you like. 

     I love Christmas and I love buying gifts, even though I usually end up with very little money left in my bank account come January. But it's all worth it when you get someone the perfect gift. Here are some of my favorite finds for this holiday season!

1. Tiffany & Co. Card Case with Key Ring, $95 - This is especially useful for college students - I'd buy this for myself if I didn't already have one!

2. Blackberry Callet, $14.99 - Just about everyone I know uses a phone case, and this eliminates having to carry a wallet or purse. There are several colors and is available for Blackberries or iPhones. 

3. Very Hollywood by Michael Kors, $45-$85 - Definitely for the girly-girl you know.
4. Juicy Couture Shimmer iPad Cover, $128 - A bit pricey, but if you already spent $500 on an iPad then why not spend another $130 on a shimmery case?
5. Erica Anenberg Braille "love at first sight" Cuff Bracelet, $150 - I saw these in a magazine and they caught my eye because it's so unique. There is also one available that says "see no evil."
6. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Glass Ring, $195 - I've been seeing this ring everywhere lately, and something about it keeps catching my eye. It'd be great for someone who's into designers and keeps up with fashion. 
7. Barefoot Contessa, How Easy Is That?: Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips, $20 - Seriously, who doesn't love Ina Garten? She's my go-to for great recipes, and so far I have yet to be disappointed. Even your friend who avoids the kitchen at all costs will love this recipe book. 

     My boyfriend recently told me that after his birthday (next week!) he wants to re-do his wardrobe. This was music to my ears. As much as I love women's fashion, I die for men's. In my opinion it's what makes women's fashion incredibly diverse, not to mention the androgynous trend that has become so popular. Since we chatted about his wardrobe, I've been circling cashmere sweaters in J. Crew catalogs and scouring my favorite blogs inspiration. We'll be enlisting the help of my fellow fashion-loving roommate over Christmas break so this gives me even more of an excuse to spend all of my time at the mall (hey, I'm not complaining). 

     But while researching I came across a Chuck Bass-inspired men's line for Urban Outfitters. For all of my Gossip Girls fans (any way that I can incorporate the show into my blog, I will), I'm sure you are well aware of Chuck's transformation from trying way too hard to be cool - and also very creepy - to being quite dapper and winning us over while awkwardly trying to hide his British accent. Chuck's style is a little too businessman for my boyfriend, but J. Press (the brand that Chuck wears most on the show) has made a more affordable line of preppy men's clothes sold exclusively at Urban Outfitters. Here is the entire line, but my favorites are below. I wouldn't say I love the line, but there are a few pieces that would look great incorporated into a little less ivy-league look. 

Shetland Wool Crew-Neck Sweater, $78

Drill Pant, $78

Hey world, I'm back. I changed the design, a few of the things I'll be writing about, and my posting schedule. If anyone is interested in guest blogging, please let me know! Enjoy the new tinsel*!

     So pretty much I've failed at continuing my blog now that I'm back to school. I can't believe it's already November, and I've failed to post more than about 4 times in the last two months. I've been doing some thinking and I've decided that tinsel* will be down for a bit while I re-vamp the design, gather my thoughts, and come up with some new ideas. I won't be posting every day when I come back (at least while I'm in school), but I'm thinking it will be about every other day. I'll be posting again in a few weeks, but this time for real.


One last thing. Lady GaGa was a HUGE success. 

Kind of blurry, but it's the best full-length one from the weekend. 

Fall Weekends

Charlotte Russe Lace Dress, F21 Leather Vest (this is one of my absolute favorite things that I own), leather boots from Marshall's

     I went home last week for a long weekend and, of course, found my way to the cider mill. I've gone every year with my family for as long as I can remember, and this year my boyfriend came with us. After talking to my out-of-state friends, I learned that cider mills are pretty much only in Michigan... Which leads me to ask, what does everyone else do during fall?! Nothing is better than hot doughnuts (pumpkin spice are the best), fresh cider and pumpkin carving. 
     In regards to fashion, my favorite trend right now is lace, and I love to mix it with more masculine pieces like a leather vest, studs and military jackets. 

Total side note:  I've been planning my Lady Gaga costume for Halloween for a while now, and it's slowly starting to come together. I'll be posting pictures after this weekend!

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

     Last night I spent HOURS in my kitchen, but it all ended up being worth it. I've never made cheesecake before, but after seeing this recipe with gingersnap crust, I had to try it. Of course, I was so nervous about messing up so it took me forever to make it. After seeing that it was a Neely recipe, I was a little hesitant (my roommates were much more so), but I couldn't get over how good the crust would be. It definitely takes a while to make, but if you love pumpkin (who doesn't?!) and cheesecake then I suggest you try it...

A few tips: 

     I baked the cheesecake a little less than the recommended time because the springform pan that I used was smaller than what the recipe called for. For the cinnamon whipped cream (which is amazing, by the way, and totally necessary for the full effect), make sure that you don't beat it too long. I had this problem and it ended up being much heavier than whipped cream - almost like butter - but still delicious. 

Gingersnaps mixed with butter

Make sure that you wrap the pan really well with foil! (Excuse our dirty oven!)

     I've become obsessed with anything pumpkin so I'm sure there will be a few more recipes in the near future to make sure that we all never want to see a can of pumpkin again!

Wishlist Wednesday #8

i need these shorts

TOMS, $54

Burberry!

     

     The TOMS shoes aren't practical at all for winter in Michigan, but they would be adorable for spring! Shorts (especially dark colors like navy, brown, olive green and black) are perfect with tights and over-the-knee boots this winter. And we all know I'm a sucker for bows and satin...

I'm back :)

     After what seems like forever of being gone, I'm back from my hiatus! Although I can't guarantee how often I'll be posting, because life gets in the way of things (definitely not everyday... maybe every other?), I won't be going on another unannounced break again.
     School has been incredibly hectic but I've been loving it nonetheless and enjoying Ann Arbor. This is my first weekend home so my mom and I made caramel apples!

We just melted caramels, added some peanuts, sprinkles and mini M&Ms...And finished them off with chocolate :)

Ann Arbor Homegrown Festival

     Tonight I went to the Homegrown Festival at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market with my roommates and some friends. There was a TON of food - Zingermans (featured on Oprah, for those of you not from Michigan), tamales, Slow's BBQ, organic pizza. I tried a lot of free samples (including pasta, jelly, honey, tomato and pesto bread), but the worst by far was acorn pancakes. Ugh, I'm sorry to the people who made them, but they were awful. I also got (and liked!) horchata, a Mexican rice drink; and a Zingerman's ice cream sandwich with vanilla gelato. Here's a few pictures from tonight...

So many people...

 Friends

Rosh Hashanah Dinner

{photos via Mr. Knoll!}

     Last night my roommate, Emily's, family brought us dinner for Rosh Hashanah. It was by far the best meal I've had in a long time. Brisket, salad, potatoes, challah bread, and rugelach. We all had food babies and spent the rest of the night dying, but it was sooo worth it. Thanks to Emily's wonderful family for everything!

Wishlist Wednesday #7

click for item details!

Happiness Project Update

     School started today! I can't really say that I was excited but I also only had one class, so I can't complain too much. A few weeks ago I posted about my happiness project (here and here), and so I'm just now finally posting a few of my goals for this month. And the theme for this month is...

September: Que será, será (Whatever will be, will be)

1. Let things go. Especially people who contribute nothing to my life and who only bring me down. Whatever happens is meant to happen - there are only so many things that I can control in life, so I might as well just get used to accepting it.
2. Make more effort (in comparison to last year) to see my friends and keep in contact with them because they have been nothing short of amazing to me when I needed them the most.
3. Try new things. I'm going to try sailing (!!! so excited!) and possibly run 5k for charity. I'm really hesitating on the 5k haha, but it would be so good for me to try something that puts me out of my comfort zone. 


     Right now I'm just going to focus on those goals - I have this huge fear of taking on too many things in addition to school and not being able to follow through on anything. On another note, I have met some of the most interesting and great people in the last week. One person in particular really put things into perspective for me and it really made me believe that everyone you come across is meant to be in your life for some reason or another. 


     Lastly, I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has been reading tinsel* for the last few months and I'll just leave you with a few of my favorite photos lately:

{all images via tumblr!}