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.