Kate the Great

When I think of effortless style - the one and only - Kate Moss always comes to mind.  Kate Moss has a natural confidence that makes her sexy and, in turn, anything that she does style wise is always spot on in my opinion.  I think the secret of style is being comfortable with yourself, without trying too hard and Kate does this flawlessly.  Enjoy the photos of Kate as well as a few of my style motto's:

Rules are a waste of time.
Stick with what suits you, and don't follow fashion.
Don't be concerned about what the neighbors think; scruffiness can be very sexy.
The secret of style is being comfortable with yourself, without trying too hard. (above all else & worth repeating)

Easy Breezy Weeknight Cooking

I must have fifty cookbooks in my kitchen but Helen Chen's Easy Chinese Stir-Fries has to be one of my top tried and true favorites.  One might not think that a restaurant quality Chinese dish would be the quickest and easiest weeknight meal.  Think again!  If you love Chinese food like my family does be sure to add this wonderful book to your collection and keep it at the top of your stack as I know you'll be resourcing it time and time again.  Easy Chinese Stir-Fries is a fantastic collection of traditional favorites as well as non-traditional.  Chen offers substitutions for making healthier ingredient choices in many of her family favorite recipes too.  I was amazed when my husband and I prepared our first meal from Chen's cookbook.  It was so easy and actually looked like the dish pictured in the book or a dish that would be served at your favorite Chinese dive.  Minus all of the bad stuff.  YUM!!! 

I recommend a trip to your local Asian market to stock up on some basic ingredients like dark soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, oyster sauce, fermented black beans, bamboo shoots, etc.  These ingredients are all very easy to find at your local Asian market, you will not have to spend a fortune on any of them and most can be stored in your pantry or fridge for your next recipe.  Have fun cooking & enjoy!

easy chinese stir-fries cover - photo by jason wyche

 

Weeeeee!

Happy Monday!  It was an unseasonably warm and beautiful weekend in Raleigh.  In an effort to get outside and find something different and new to do with our daughter (and my attempt to lose the last 5-10 pounds of baby weight) we decided to buy and install a WeeRide on our Electra Cruiser.  All I can say is Weeeeeeeee!  Kate loved it!  The WeeRide is a great alternative to a traditional children's bike seat.  For starters the seat is positioned in front of the rider vs. on the back of your bicycle.  I felt very stable, safe and comfortable cruising with Kate.  DON'T FORGET A HELMET!  Now, if I only looked as hot as Camilla Alves does taking her son Levi for a cruise.

The WeeRide can be purchased at select Wal-Mart stores for $49.99 or online: http://www.weeride.com/

Camilla Alves and son Levi enjoying WeeRide

No poo

I have known it for years...ditch your bottle of shampoo in exchange for healthier, shinier hair.  Check out this month's article in the March 2011 issue of W as author Christa D'Souza shuns her shampoo and goes for 6 weeks without shampooing.  I was so thrilled to come across this article and couldn't wait to read about the  author's experience and findings.  I'm not quite sure I've got the guts (or my husband's OK) to go an entire 6 weeks with itchy, greasy not to mention smelly hair.  I can say from experience that going just 3 or 4 + days does give way to a great head of hair.  Hair that is full of body and seems to just do what you want it to do without too much fuss...something to consider before your next big to-do perhaps?
Who doesn't love the sexy bedhead look?  I for one!

W - March 2011

 
In the meantime, if you are looking for a fantastic organic shampoo be sure to try a bottle of Kevin Murphy.  The entire line of Kevin Murphy products are sulphate & paraben free plus they are made from renewable and sustainable resources whenever possible.  Be ready to shell out a few extra dollars but when you are only shampooing a few days a week your bottle should last longer and make up for the extra expense which, in my opinion, is well worth it.  Did I mention the scent?  Heaven! 

Find Kevin Murphy locally at SHAG+GARNISH and Bottega.

kevinmurphy.com.au

iomoi

If you are not familiar with this e-stationer be sure to check out all of their great looking products.  I promise that you will not be disappointed!  While an on-line thank you can never replace a hand-written note iomoi's e-stationery certainly does make sending a little note to your friends and loved ones a bit more chic and exciting!  They also have a great selection of custom stationery, address labels, mom + children's calling cards, desk accessories and more.  You do not have to be a member to order from the company's extensive line of personalized products.  Annual e-stationery membership is $15 at www.iomoi.com.  Below are a few favorites.

iomoi custom lucite tray

iomoi custom address label - tassel green

iomoi custom calling card

iomoi

iomoi

iomoi leather tote in navy

Here I Go...

...So one can imagine my delight while perusing through my latest issue of Vogue that I came across the lovely spread of Sandra Lee - TV cook and lifestyle guru...not to mention girlfriend of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.  In these images Sandra Lee makes it seem so natural and effortless to combine the two passionate worlds of Food + Fashion.  Check out the article in its entirety online:  http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/sandra-lee-the-woman-in-white/ or pick up your own copy of the latest issue of Vogue on newsstands now.

Vogue - March 2011 photographed by Norman Jean Roy

Queen of the Kitchen - Vogue March 2011 photographed by Norman Jean Roy