Thursday, December 29, 2011

Technicolor Coats

The leaves may be long gone and the sky may be grey and you my friend might be in dire need of modern color, inspiration, happiness...

Enter technicolor coats.

Which one is your favorite?




Say I do to Leather Skirts!

I LOVE LEATHER!

It helps you create a high-impact look and these leather skirts are at the corner where edgy meets feminine.



Best Late-Night Snacks in NYC Part 2

Best Late-Night Snacks in NYC ~ for a stomach that never sleeps...


*Los Feliz - 2 words: Tacos and Tequila! The multi-level space is meant to evoke a glamorous Mexican taqueria that’s recently been unearthed (see: line drawings etched into plastered walls, dulled-with-age chandeliers, and marble slab bar tops). Sip rose tequila and chow down on sea bass tacos and huitlacoche quesadillas (until 4 a.m., Thursday through Saturday). Los Feliz, 109 Ludlow Street, between Delancey and Rivington Streets (212-228-8383 losfeliznyc.com).



* 'Inoteca e Liquori Bar - Nibble (until 1 a.m. nightly) on ’Inoteca’s renowned truffled egg toast; a panino stuffed with prosciutto, three cheeses, or soppressata; or piatti including polenta, pollo arrosto, and osso buco.’Inoteca e Liquori Bar, 323 Third Avenue, at 24th Street (212-683-3035 inotecanyc.com). Also check out their LES spot, which is a favorite of mine.



 * Meatball Shop - So simple yet so smart: meatballs galore in pork, beef, vegetable, and chicken. Order them alone, in a slider, on a hero, or with sauce (until 4 a.m., Thursday through Saturday). Leave room for an ice cream sandwich, it's delicious!!!! The Meatball Shop, 84 Stanton Street, between Allen and Orchard Streets (212-982-8895 themeatballshop.com). and don't forget to check out their new West Village location :) ( and the co-owner/chef is sizzling hot! )


Best Late-Night Snacks in NYC Part 1

Best Late-Night Snacks in NYC ~ for a stomach that never sleeps...

*La Esquina - Sidle up to the corner taqueria for late-night taquitos (until 2 a.m.) or reserve a table at the tequila-friendly speakeasy below (enter through the kitchen until 2 a.m.). Beware the overly styled patrons swarming the sidewalk.
La Esquina, 114 Kenmare Street, at Lafayette Street (646-613-7100 esquinanyc.com).
La Esquina 

*Spotted Pig - For a taste of hog heaven, head to the see-and-be-seen gastropub (serving food until 2 a.m. nightly). There are no reservations, but the burgers, cask-brewed ale, and late-night rock ’n’ roll justify the wait. The Spotted Pig, 314 West 11th Street, at Greenwich Street (212-620-0393 thespottedpig.com).
*squina
Sidle up to the corner taqueria for late-night taquitos (until 2 a.m.) or reserve a table at the tequila-friendly speakeasy below (enter through the kitchen until 2 a.m.). Beware the overly styled patrons swarming the sidewalk.
La Esquina, 114 Kenmare Street, at Lafayette Street (646-613-7100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              646-613-7100      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or esquinanyc.com).
Related Links
The Spotted Pig

It's in the Sauce

It's in the SauceSauce Restaurant Opens on the Lower East Side

sauce restaurant new york!
Sauce, a restaurant in four acts by Frank Prisinzano (Frank, Lil’ Frankie’s, East Village Radio), is finally open.

The Setting: LES
A fully gutted space contracted by Prisinzano himself, with a coffered mirror ceiling and grandmotherly bouquet wallpaper.

Act One: Restaurant
Share small plates of house-made pasta ($4-$6; get the cavatelli) with tomato (marinara, passato, filetto) and slow-cooked meat sauces (red Bologneses, gravy). Order The Plank, a board of polenta, for pour action at the table.

Act Two: Window
Street-side cups of pasta until 4 a.m.  think hot buttered rolls and eggs at breakfast; sandwiches and salads midday.

Act Three: Studio
A glassed-in kitchen and a twelve-seat table for private parties. On Thursdays, watch the butcher break down locally sourced animals.

Act Four: Grocery
Buy sauces, gelati, pastas, and local cuts of beef and pork. Neighborhood meat delivery is planned.
Don’t you look smart?
Sauce, 78-84 Rivington Street, at Allen Street (212-420-7700).






Houndstooth anyone?

So I have never really been a houndstooth fan until I saw this!!!!

It looks very chic with a pop of red as seen on GP and so fresh paired with denim.

I am a new fan.



Vegan Brownies by Oh She Glows


IMG_3512

Oh how much I love Angela and her blog ohsheglows.com!

Thanks to her fabulous, healtyh and yummy recipes I have been baking vegan and frequenting vegan restaurants for the past year and feel soooo much better when I decide to indulge and have baked goods :)

Being a huge brownie lover - Chocolatey, nutty, with a crispy crust and flakey top. Mmmmm!!! Come to mama!!!! - I wanted to share her vegan brownie recipe on my blog with you!

Wishing Happy Holidays with a healthy dose of sweets to you all!

                     

Oh She Glows

Vegan Brownies

Dense, nutty, with a crisp crust and flakey top. Come to mama.
Ingredients:
§ 1.5 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, whisked
§ 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
§ 1 cup whole almonds, ground into a flour/meal & sifted (OR sub 1.5 cups almond flour)
§ 1/2 cup cocoa powder
§ 1/2 tsp kosher salt
§ 1/4 tsp baking soda
§ 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp Earth Balance or other non-dairy butter substitute
§ 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup non-dairy chocolate, divided
§ 1 cup + 1/4 cup organic cane sugar (or just use white sugar)
§ 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp almond milk
§ 1 tsp vanilla
§ 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9 inch square pan with parchment and grease all sides. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flax and water and set aside.

2. In a blender or processor, process almonds into a meal/flour. Sift out large pieces. Or use store bought almond meal/flour. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flours, cocoa, salt, soda).

3. In a large microwave safe bowl, add chocolate and Earth Balance and melt in microwave for about 30-45 seconds until melted. Stir well and add in flax egg, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Whisk.

4. Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and stir well. The mixture will be VERY dry, but not to worry keep mixing! Now fold in the walnuts and remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips.

5. Scoop batter into prepared pan and place a piece of parchment on top. Spread with hands or a pastry roller until smooth and even.

6. Bake for 32-34 minutes at 350F and allow brownies to cool in pan for about 1.5 hours. DO NOT REMOVE BROWNIES (uh oh I’m yelling!) until completely cool or they will crack apart. After an hour or so, gently separate edge of brownie from pan with a butter knife and place on a cooling rack. Cool completely and slice carefully.

IMG_3552
IMG_3553

pictures and recipe from ohsheglows.com)
Snakeskin is HOT. PERIOD!

Colorful snakeskin?

EVEN HOTTER!!!

Dr. Perricone: Beauty from the Inside Out

 

I am a little obsessed with Dr. Perricone and his principles lately.

Here is his interview that appeared on one of my favorite blogs - Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP.

Be you be loved,

glitteratist

Interview with Dr. Nicholas Perricone, MD:

Q: You're known for advocating “beauty from the inside out,” so what kinds of foods should we be eating to combat different kinds of skin conditions such as dry skin, wrinkles, blemishes, etc?

A: “Our skin reflects our diet almost immediately. If we consume fatty, sugary and processed foods, our skin is likely to react by becoming inflamed, puffy and rough in texture. To maintain youthful, glowing skin, it's important to take these necessary steps:
1.      Consume enough water. Water is vital to help flush out toxins and keep skin clear and hydrated.
2.      For dry skin, load up on Omega-3's. These essential fatty acids (EFA's) are necessary for healthy, supple skin and help to repair the protective barrier that keeps moisture locked in. The most potent plant-based source of Omega-3 is chia seeds, with more Omega-3 than flax seed or wild Alaskan salmon. It's also recommended to use chia-based products, such as O-Mega Moisture from the SUPER line, my rich moisturizer loaded with chia oil.
3.      For blemish-prone skin, I recommend a diet rich in greens, including watercress, spinach, collard greens and apples. The Vitamin A in these leafy greens helps normalize the production of oil, while the quercetin in green apples helps reduce mast cell activity, which leads to inflammation and breakouts. I use quercetin in Acne Solution from SUPER, as it exfoliates, brightens and balances the skin.
4.      These foods are also good for sensitive skin, as is yogurt, a superfood loaded with probiotics and lactic acid to help soothe and calm redness and inflammation.
5.      It's imperative to load up on antioxidants to maintain youthful, supple and radiant skin. Acai, blueberries and spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and ginger are all wonderful sources of antioxidants that help maintain healthy skin. These foods fight free-radical damage that leads to fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, sagging and lackluster skin.”

Q: We hear that you stick pretty religiously with an incredibly healthy, balanced diet ... So what does eating for your skin look like on a day-to-day basis?

A: “I’ve created a day’s worth of recipes as an example of how to load up on foods that are good for your skin.” (See the Recipes section below)

Q: You’re famous for having introduced the world to the concept of superfoods, what are the benefits of some of the ingredients included in your menu below?

A: “It's important to always remember beauty is an inside job. What we eat directly affects the appearance of our complexion and determines how we age. Each meal contains the three crucial components to a good-skin diet: protein, healthy fats, and good carbohydrates such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only will these nutrients yield beautiful skin, but they also have protective and preventative qualities that slow the aging process.”

The Building Blocks:

Protein is made up of amino acids that are the building blocks cells use to repair themselves. Healthy fats, especially Omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fat, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects improving skin’s moistness, texture, suppleness and smoothness.

Fresh fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants that stave off free radicals, the aggressive molecules produced by a diet rich in sugars and starchy foods, as a byproduct of your metabolism or the environment. Free radicals create inflammation that damages your cells, resulting in inflexibility, wrinkles, sagging and the loss of firmness, tone, radiance and texture in the skin.

The “Super” Ingredients:

Wild Salmon is probably the world’s most heart healthy source of protein. It is rich in long-chain Omega-3 essential fatty acids—the most beneficial kind—which protect heart health, inhibit inflammation, act as natural anti-depressants, increase feelings of well-being, and help keep skin young, supple and radiant.
Asparagus is one of the richest sources of rutin, a bioflavanoid which strengthens small capillaries in the skin and may help prevent broken capillaries and it contains glutathione--an abundant and essential tripeptide antioxidant found within the cells that plays a huge role in the cell’s ability to fight free-radical damage. Glutathione is our primary antioxidant defense and an effective suppressor of free radical damage.
Dark Leafy Greens are rich in the antioxidant plant pigments known as carotenoids, which enhance immune response, protect skin cells against UV radiation, and "spare" liver enzymes that neutralize carcinogens and other toxins. Their important anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effects reduce the risk of heart disease and block sunlight-induced inflammation in the skin—which leads to wrinkles and skin cancer.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in oleic acid, which is a super emollient. The essential fatty acids present in olive oil nourish the skin and provide anti-inflammatory activity. The polyphenols that are found abundantly in olive oil are extremely efficient and multi-faceted antioxidants. Polyphenols are exceptionally stable and protective. The most powerful member of the Olive Oil Polyphenol group is Hydroxytyrosol. Extremely rare, and effective in even small concentrations, this super antioxidant, anti-inflammatory has been proven to be effective in improving general health and appearance.
Pinot Noir is a delightful wine to accompany foods like salmon because pinot noirs have enough acidity in them to mitigate the fatty content. Red wine contains a powerful heart-healthy, anti-cancer, anti-aging antioxidant called resveratrol. It also appears that resveratrol helps protect the skin against the sun’s UV radiation. It appears that drinking wine—particularly red wines such as Pinot Noir—interferes with the production of a body chemical vital to the process that leads to clogged arteries and an increased risk of heart attack. White and rose wine do not offer the same protection.
Green Jasmine Tea—Enjoy a cup of green tea after your meal and don’t worry about the caffeine, since a compound in green tea called theonine blocks the negative effects of caffeine, while acting as a natural mood elevator and promoting feelings of well-being. Because green tea is rich in polyphenol anti-oxidants, it can help fight inflammation and age-accelerating free radicals, protect against heart disease and cancer, boost the body’s natural defenses, and exert anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects.
Nuts and Seeds such as hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds are rich in short-chain Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which inhibit the accumulation of fats in artery walls that promotes angina, strokes, and heart attacks. Nuts are also high in the amino acid arginine, which prompts the body to release vital hormones, stimulate sexuality, increase lean muscle mass, burn fat, lower cholesterol and boost the immune system.
Apples are unusually high in fiber, with an average of five grams. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, we need approximately 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, so one apple provides about 15 to 25 percent of your daily fiber requirement. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber is known as “pectin,” and is the substance that is added to jams and jellies to make them gel. Pectin has the power to decrease the appetite for up to four hours, making it a more effective appetite suppressant than the insoluble fiber found in grains such as wheat and rye. (Oats, like apples, are also rich in soluble fiber.)
Pears offer protection from free radicals; Pears are high in both Vitamin C and copper, anti-oxidant nutrients that help prevent free radical damage to the cells. Both copper and Vitamin C also stimulates white blood cells to fight infections, and directly kills many bacteria and viruses. One medium size pear can provide about 11 percent of the daily value your body needs for Vitamin C, and almost 10 percent of the copper it needs. They also promote cardiovascular and colon health: The fiber in pears has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels. It also binds to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon, preventing them from damaging colon cells. Pears also protect against macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older adults and provide Vitamin B: Pears have a high concentration of folates, which make up the Vitamin B complex group. These vitamins are essential for metabolic activity and red blood cell production.
Old Fashioned Oatmeal is high in fibers that enhance weight control and discourages cardiovascular disease; the beta-glucan fiber in oats and also barley exerts beneficial anti-glycemic effects as well, helping to stabilize blood sugar.
Cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar because it stimulates insulin receptors and inhibits an enzyme that inactivates them, thereby increasing cells’ ability to use glucose. Just one gram per day (approximately ¼ to ½ teaspoon) yields a 20 percent drop in blood sugar, and reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well. Cinnamon also reduces cellular inflammation—a key age accelerator.
Fun fact: The mere scent of cinnamon enhances the brain’s cognitive processing, including attention, memory, and visual-motor speed.
Omega-3 Eggs are a terrific source of protein and Omega-3 essential fatty acids. The key is to make sure you purchase eggs from cage-free chickens that are fed flax meal. Not only are they much more nutritious, they taste wonderful.
Lemons and Lemon Juice contain important phytonutrients which protect lungs, alleviate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, help prevent cancer by boosting the activity of detoxification enzymes in the liver, lower blood cholesterol levels, and inhibit cancer in human breast cells, skin, lungs, stomach, mouth, and colon cancer in laboratory animals. They also play an important role in the maintenance of elastin and the stabilization of collagen.
Berries are antioxidant and vitamin powerhouses. They contain important phytochemicals including phenolics, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and more. Blueberries also contains phytochemicals that can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the areas of brain responsible for learning and memory. Raspberries are a rich source of Vitamin C—key for collagen production and also very high in ellegic acid superior in reducing the damage caused to cells from free radicals—like blueberries they are super anti-aging foods in just about every category. All berries are superb for all organ systems including skin.
Yogurt is a very good source of calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin-Vitamin B2 and iodine, Vitamin B12, pantothenic acid-Vitamin B5, zinc, potassium, protein and molybdenum. Yogurt that contains live bacterial cultures may help you to live longer, and may fortify your immune system. Research studies have shown that increased yogurt consumption, particularly in immuno-compromised populations such as the elderly, may enhance the immune response, which would in turn increase resistance to immune-related diseases.
Chickpeas are low in fat and sodium but high in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. In addition to lowering cholesterol, garbanzos' high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. They are also an excellent source of protein, needing only to be combined with grains such as barley or oats to provide all the amino acids necessary to make a complete protein for vegetarians who do not have other sources of protein for their meals.
Turmeric. The golden root of turmeric has been used since ancient times for both health and beauty. A superb anti-inflammatory, the active curcuminoids help even out skin tone and color and have superior cell-protective properties, helping to keep skin soft and supple while protecting against the oxidative stress that accelerates skin ageing.”

Recipes

Breakfast:

Each recipe makes 4 servings

Savory Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms and Chives

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup chives, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Sea salt, to taste
Preparation
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet. Sauté mushrooms for 3 minutes, add chives and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add eggs and black pepper. Cook eggs over very low heat, stirring constantly, until cooked to the desired doneness. Add the sea salt and scramble for a few seconds. Serve immediately.

Old fashioned Oatmeal topped with Apples, Cinnamon and Walnuts

Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup finely chopped peeled apple
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation
Bring 3 1/2 cups water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Add oats and salt and stir over medium heat until oats are softened and very thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in chopped apple, and cinnamon. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until apples are tender, about 5 minutes.

Divide cereal among 4 bowls. Top with almonds and serve.

Jasmine Tea

Lunch:

Roast Chicken Salad on a Bed of Romaine Lettuce

Ingredients
For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper


For the salad:
  • 4 (6 to 7-ounce) boneless skinless cooked chicken breasts cut into chunks—can also use chopped Rotisserie Chicken without the skin
  • 2 stalks of celery chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • Romaine lettuce leaves
Preparation
To make the dressing: Combine all the ingredients in a resealable container and shake vigorously. Place chicken, celery onion and sunflower seeds in large salad bowl. Toss with dressing. Assemble lettuce on plate; top with chicken salad.

Mixed Berry Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients
  • 3 cups plain yogurt—I like Greek Style Yogurt best
  • 3 cups of berries of your choice—frozen berries can also work. A good combination is:
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 4 tablespoons sliced almonds
Preparation
Layer 1/2 cup yogurt mixture, 1/4 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries and 1/4 cup raspberries in each of 4 parfait glasses or serving bowls alternating berries and yogurt. Sprinkle each parfait with 1 tablespoon almonds. Serve immediately.

Dinner:

Baked Fillet of Salmon with Asparagus and Caper-Enriched Lemon Sauce

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallots (may substitute red onion)
  • 1 tablespoon drained capers, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest – use organic only or omit from recipe
  • 24 oz wild salmon fillets (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches thick; skinless if available)
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Lemon slices
Preparation
  • Preheat oven to 450°·F. Briskly stir first 6 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Slice three 1/2-inch-deep slits crosswise in top of salmon (as if dividing into 4 equal pieces but do not cut through).
  • Arrange asparagus in even layer on rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and turn to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Place salmon atop asparagus; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until salmon is just opaque in center, about 20 minutes.
  • Transfer asparagus and salmon to platter. Spoon sauce over salmon. Cut into 4 pieces along slits, garnish with lemon slices and serve.

Romaine Salad with Chick Peas

Ingredients
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 7 ounces mixed salad greens (8 cups, loosely packed), such as escarole, oak-leaf, and romaine, rinsed, patted dry, and torn into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup of rinsed and drained chickpeas
Preparation
Place the lemon juicer, salt, pepper, mustard, and garlic in a medium-size bowl and whisk together until blended. Slowly add the olive oil, whisking constantly, until the dressing is emulsified.

Add the greens and chickpeas, toss well until they are coated with the dressing. Season with pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Feta, Toasted Walnut and Fresh Pear Platter

Ingredients
  • 1/2 lb of sliced feta cheese
  • 1 cup of toasted walnuts
  • 3 pears sliced
  • Fresh black pepper
Preparation
1.      Arrange the feta slices down the center of a large platter.
2.      Arrange the pear slices around the feta.
3.      Grate fresh black pepper over feta; sprinkle with toasted walnuts and serve.
For Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone products, visit www.getsuper.com, www.sephora.com