Yellow Brick Blog

Happy {Wine Getaway} Weekend!

2009-12-11T11:40:00.003-08:00

I am off to Solvang for wine tasting with a fabulous group of 20 amazing women to celebrate the 30th birthday of one incredible gal!

Asta Pasta!

Holiday Gift Ideas #7 ~ Jim Jams

2009-12-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

To me pajamas (jim jams as my roomie calls them) and Christmas go hand in hand. Growing up we were always allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve and that one present was ALWAYS PJ's to sleep in that evening and wake up to open presents in. It was a cute tradition and it is something I think I will pass along once I have a family of my own.

Below are some great Forever Frugal Friday PJ's that are just too good to pass up!

The classic, can't go wrong Plaid Flannel PJ Pant.

For the friend or sister in warmer climates, why not try the Plaid PJ Short Set.

These Striped PJ Pant are on my own personal wish list. Soft, cozy and reminiscent of my childhood.

The Polka Dot PJ Pant a innocent and sweet in pink.

For that naughty friend of yours, why not these racy Lace Print Boxy Shorts?

Holiday Gift Ideas #6 ~ Betty Crocker Style

2009-12-10T17:05:00.001-08:00

For the friend who likes to get her Martha Stewart/Betty Crocker on, why not gift her a darling apron so she can look just as cute baking as her creations turn out?

I am loving the colors of this cute retro Chloe Rose Bouquet Full Apron.

Is it just me or do you totally want this Extra Ingredient Apron to be an actual dress? If the back wasn't totally open and exposed I would so sport this out for cocktails with the girls.

Love this retro Perfect Circle Hostess Apron.

I am a sucker for anything aqua and yellow, so this Stockholm Floral Apron immediately caught my eye (available in other colors as well).

The ultimate in girlie girl aprons, this Sugar Rush Ruffled Apron has me all giddy and wanting to bake something light and fluffy.

Baking in the kitchen has never been so stylish and affordable!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.....

2009-12-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

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Makes me want to snuggle on the couch and watch Love Actually.

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I heart marshmallows, and this display just makes me happy looking at it. I would love to sit in a chair in that window and just take a deep breath in.

Hoping your Thursday is starting off lovely!

Holiday Gift Ideas #5 ~ Kissable Lips

2009-12-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to be caught kissing under the mistletoe, and you will most definitley want to make sure you or your friend has the softest kissable lips yet. Enter Sara Happ...

The Vanilla Bean Lip Scrub will slough away boyfriends past, and renew those lips to all their original glory.

Follow it up with the The Lip Slip and my darling you or your friend may just be the most popular girl under that mistletoe! My girlfriend Christy introduced me to the Lip Slip goodness and I instantly fell in love.

Give them alone or as a pair, kissable lips are always appreciated!

Holiday Gift Ideas #4 ~ Votivo For All

2009-12-08T16:42:00.001-08:00

What smells good, looks pretty and can light up an entire room (no, it's not me - j/k) .....well the Votivo Holdiay Collection Candles of course! I recently had the pleasure of smelling this collection, and let me just say, they do NOT disappoint. Not only are the scents divine and holiday-icious, but the candles themselves are very pretty and will blend in with any decor.

Christmas Sage

Freshly harvested juniper berries, tangy hemlock cones, and fragrant emerald hued spruce boughs transform the rustic cabin into a light filled workshop where dreams are crafted with pride and hope fills the heart eternal with gifts that truly linger...and inspire memories for generations to come. (Translation - Smells like a Christmas tree.... but better)

Clementine & Clove

An ode to a bygone era- coarsely chopped clove with fresh cinnamon sticks and dashes of black peppered nutmeg gently coat the dried Clementine oranges and fresh thyme sprigs, all wrapped to the tune of an old Christmas carol—a perfect symphony of the senses. (Translation - Smells like a caramel apple cider from Starbucks....but better)

Red Current

A savory blend of tart red currants and golden fruit glaze ladled over coarsely ground vanilla bean ice cream and served along side of raspberry filled sugar cookies… the original Red Currant. (Translation - Your home will smell like fresh baked good out of the oven....but better)

Winter Soltice

Early morning, 6:00am on the longest day of the year- the rich spurt of pine spice and cold, cold wet winter are scorched by the brazen blaze of the crystal, powerful, white light. Unabashedly, three elements collide - the water, the earth, and the sun – tantalizing the senses into perfect, harmonious solstice. (Translation - Smells like the first breath of air when you walk your dog in a forest....but better)

Joie De Noel

In a centuries old tradition, darkened hearty cut spices, woody strands of aged rosemary, fragrant spruce and delicate hemlock boughs are mulled with caravan herbs and thickened honey combs in a blackened copper kettle over an open cherry wood flame: an unspoken welcome home anytime throughout the year. (Translation - It smells like marshmallows, hot chocolate, cookies, and eggnog & rum....but better)

Any of these candles are sure to be a hit for a secret Santa gift, co-worker, friend, or just yourself! Picking the scent is what will be difficult but with descriptions like these, it should be a breeze!

Rainy Days in LA...

2009-12-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

...bring beautiful rainbows! The rainbow was so big, I couldn't capture the entire thing, but it was quite spectacular and brought a huge smile to my face!

Then when the sun goes down...the rain clouds provide a beautiful setting!

Song Of The Week: Wonderful Christmastime

2009-12-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again....it is just too hard to be in a bad mood when listening to holiday music. This morning I was stuck in heavy traffic, in the rain (don't tell but I love it when it rains in LA) and yet I had a huge smile on my face because Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" was blaring on the radio. I totally caught myself rocking back and forth in my car and even snapping my fingers.

Hope ya'll are having a "Wonderful Christmastime" as well this Monday morning!

Holiday Gift Ideas #3 ~ Glove Love

2009-12-04T16:37:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday Folks! I cannot believe the first weekend of December is already here and there are only 20 shopping days left. A great, practical, trendy and affordable gift this holiday season are gloves.

These Fingerless Cable Gloves are not only darling but totally functional with your fingers free to navigate. I love the contrast of the cable knit against the tough studs.

A bit more lady like and traditional, these Rosette Gloves are a perfect fit.

My personal favorite however are these Sequin Bow Striped Gloves. Love the grey and cream combo and those sequin bows are just the icing on the cake.

So go ahead, spread some love with the gift of gloves!

Happy Birthday Lynners!

2009-12-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

Me, Mrs. R and Lynne in Hawaii

Happy, Happy Birthday to my gorgeous gal pal Lynne!

You are a beautiful and inspiring woman and I am so thankful to have you in my life and chat with you daily. 30 is going to be a year for the books, full of happiness and wonderful things!

I cannot wait to give you a big hug next week and celebrate it up!! Cheers to you love!

XOXO

Holiday Gift Ideas #2 ~ Naughty & Nice Knickers

2009-12-02T17:02:00.001-08:00

Every year, without fail Santa always leaves me some knickers in my stocking. One year he may have forgotten and I may or may not have thrown a little of a fit. In any case, the little gifts below are sure to bring a smile to however receives (or sees) them!

For the gal who reads her horoscope everyday (sometimes guilty myself), these Aerie Horoscope Undies are sure to please. Also, if some D-Bag decides to use that cheesy line, "What's your sign" she can gladly send two messages at once!

On my wish list from Santa are these darling Hanky Panky Candy Low Rise Thongs. They are just so darn comfortable and since my sweet pup Waldo has a bit of a Hanky Panky fetish to, I would like to replenish my supply (TMI I know) .

These Juicy Couture Sweet Boyshorts are a piece of cake that will go straight to her ass, but in a good way ;)

This little PINK Tank & Panty set is angelic and perfect for cozy time in bed. (Did anyone else watch the Victoria Secret Fashion Show last night? WOW!)

Perhaps you have a friend who never dresses down regardless of where she is...well she shouldn't have to dress down under there either, and this Aerie Tuxedo Undie Set will allow her to be black tie always.

My girlfriend Jaime and I always exchange little undies for Christmas and every year she treats me to a new darling pair of Honeydew Mesh Boyshorts, which are perfect for under dresses without being all granny panty like.

For the girl who is a little prim and proper, why not serve her some cute Juicy Couture Boyshorts in a tea cup?

Last but not least, for that wild child minx friend of yours, the Aerie Wild Thong Set may just tame her for a bit.

Hip, Hip, Hooray for Knickers!

Holiday Gift Ideas #1 ~ My Philosophy

2009-12-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

...is that you can never go wrong giving Philosophy products for gifts. Their packaging is absolutely darling, their prices are very reasonable and the products smell just incredible! Below are some fabulous gift ideas for that friend, co-worker, assistant or secret Santa you're just not sure what to get.

The A Kiss & A Wish lip shine set would be a perfect little stocking stuffer, or you could break the 4 lip glosses apart and add them as decoration to another gift.

Nothing says holidays more than this Candy Cane 3 in 1 wash. This yummy scent is sure to help wake you up in the morning.

The First Snow Gift Set is great for that 13 year old that is just about impossible to shop for. The shimmer lotion and lip gloss will definitely bring a sparkling smile to her face.

I am pretty sure Oprah was the first to put the Gingerbread Man Salt Scrub on the map, but it hasn't gone very far and it really does provide results. A great gift for anyone who wants to scrub away the past year, and let the new them shine in 2010.

Speaking of 2010...it is only 30 days away and it is never to early to prep yourself and celebrate with bubbles. This Bring On The Bubbles is sure to help with the headache brought on by those "other bubbles".

I am all for puns and this Have A Cherry Christmas is just too fun.

Have that friend or family member who is naughty but also nice? Then the Holiday Spice & Everything Nice duo is just what Santa ordered.

Have that friend who goes away to the family cabin or skiing in Vail every holiday? The Winter Escape kit will have her skipping those extra calories of marshmallows by the fire, because this tube of lip gloss will be hitting her sweet tooth just right.

We all know that Santa likes his milk & cookies, but why not do him and Mrs. Claus a favor and leave him this cute set out instead?

On my personal wish list from Santa is the Old Fashioned Eggnog 3 in 1 wash. It smells just like my eggnog latte tastes and I am pretty sure it would be pretty heavenly to be surrounded by this scent in the shower every morning.

Whomever you are gifting for, Philosophy has got something for every price range and most definitely for everybody on your list!

Song Of The Week: Christmas Is All Around

2009-11-30T17:29:00.000-08:00

Yahoo! I am so excited that "Christmas Is All Around" me now and I can officially listen to holiday music non-stop. On the radio, in the stores, on my I-Pod, everywhere!

This song and video just brings the hugest grin to my face and I absolutely adore that Bill Nighy in about any flick he is in (he is spectacular in Shaun of the Dead but thats not really very holiday-ish). I am so ready to watch my favorite holiday flicks which include, White Christmas, Love Actually and Home Alone.

Happy Holidays!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-25T14:08:00.001-08:00

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Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I am thankful for many things this year..

*My amazingly supportive family

*My lovely friends who inspire me everyday

*A job that is filled with fun co-workers and a paycheck to support myself

*My cuddly, sweet pup Waldo who makes me smile every morning and forces me to get out and smell the roses every morning

*You readers who are bloggers yourself often, whose comments bring smiles to my face and encourage me to continue on with this little blog

*Friends Thanksgiving Episodes (they just make me smile no matter how many times I have seen the episodes)

*My first eggnog latte of the season on Friday morning!

I will be returning on Monday, to start off with some Holiday Cheer! May you have a lovely, safe holiday full of family, friends, food, thanks and Thanksgiving pants!

I Love You Man....

2009-11-24T17:34:00.001-08:00

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Where have I been the past 5 years? Seriously... I am pretty much loving anything and everything Jason Segel is in.

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My first experience with Mr. Segel was in Knocked Up as the sleazy friend who hit on Leslie Mann. I thought he was pretty hilarious in it and then just sort of forgot about him.

Next up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He was so unforgettable in that flick and my appreciation and crush blossomed here. He was heartbroken, adorable, hilarious and just made my heart melt. Also, found out later, that he wrote the movie himself roughly based off his own breakup experience. I DIE!

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Mr. Segel was officially on my radar now and I Love You Man just made my appreciation for him grow deeper. His attitude and timing is just too perfect and he just seems like such a fun, great dude.

I have since added How I Met Your Mother to my Netflix and finished watching Season 1Disc 1 (Disc 2 is waiting for me this weekend), and I just have to say that not only does that show ROCK...but Marshall is like my dream hubby. He is tall, has a great sense of humor and seems just really down to earth and totally sweet (and what a fun group of friends he has).

If for some reason, you were like me and not sure of who Jason Segel is or don't believe my testament to how great he is, watch the video below...if you aren't a believer after seeing it, then I don't even know you (j/k)!

Days Like These Make Me Love LA (even more) ...

2009-11-23T17:31:00.001-08:00

(taken with my camera phone from desk at work)

*Sigh*

Song Of The Week: Just Breathe

2009-11-23T11:14:00.001-08:00

I think this song is truly one of the most beautiful and touching songs I have ever heard. When I was listening to Pearl Jam's "Just Breathe" this weekend, the line that really hit home was,

"I'm a lucky man to count on both hands, The ones I love..."

I am blessed to also be able to do this, and in a week of giving thanks, I just thought this song was really perfect to start the week off.

Happy {Vampy} Weekend

2009-11-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

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I think I shall wait for all the New Moon hysteria to die down a bit before I see the flick, but I have a feeling it might be a Twilight weekend for many. I am not going to lie...I really only want to see the movie for Taylor Lautner shirtless (how do 17 year olds look like that?)...

Loving this collaboration between Lady G and Sasha Fierce.
I am craving to snack on these this weekend...
I could look at these all weekend long...
Totally wishing I could find a way to rock this look to a party on Saturday night...

Whatever you have planned for the weekend ahead, hope it is vampy, fun and fabulous!

Forever Frugal Friday

2009-11-20T13:38:00.001-08:00

I have been on the hunt for a cocktail "going out" ring since I lost my last one in Miami. I searched and searched and just had zero luck anywhere. Then last Saturday whilst at Forever 21 looking for a belt for the evening, I came across this beauty and wouldn't you just know that it was just my size and exactly what I have been looking for? This ring arrived just in time for the holidays as it fancies up just about anything.

One of the only pictures that was acceptable to share from that night (has anyone ever tried a bubble gum shot? Incredible...but totally trouble), and check out that fun new ring! I am also sporting my new favorite nail polish color See You Soon by Sinful Nail Polish (a whopping $0.99 at Walgreens). It is a dark navy blue green with sparkles. Love it!

Auf Wiedersehen & Sayonara

2009-11-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight is full of good television! The finale of the most boring season of Project Runway will finally crown the winning designer tonight.

Who do you think will be the winner out of Althea, Carol Hannah and Irina. I think all these ladies are very talented and it is nice to see an all women designer top three, but I just cannot pick a winner for the life of me. For some reason my gut says go with Carol Hannah but then I also feel like mean Irina could pull through in the end.

Over on The Real Housewives of Orange County, Jeana Keough says sayonara to the other wives and we meet the newest cast member Alexis Bellino, who is rich, with big boobs and a huge diamond (as advertised by Bravo). I am super excited to see what Alexis brings to the mix.

Are you sad to see Jeana go? What are you thinking about ~~Douchebag~~ Slade and Gretchen (I am still scarred from last weeks sock on junk vision of ~~Douchebag~~ Slade - blech)?

Be advised that this video is a bit trashy...gotta love those RHOOC.

Hip, Hot, Sequins

2009-11-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

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Ever since I saw this twitter pic of Katy Perry's sequin-licious nails I have been wanting to replicate the look badly. However, I am pretty sure I would only feel comfortable rocking this look for a holiday party or for one night only!

If I do find an occasion to rock this manicure, I think I'd be silly not to sport the heels below along with it.

I love the combo of the gold heel and silver sequins to give these pumps a little more pizazz. However, I am not so sure that I would get as much use from silver, but I KNOW I would get plenty of use out of the goldies!

Which are immediately added to my Christmas wish list. Enzo Angiolini has outdone themselves with their 'Merryann' Pump. My name may not be Ann but I will be very merry to own these goldies this holiday season.

In case you have never worn or owned a pair of Enzo's, take it from this girl who owns three pairs. Enzo's are totally dressy shoes that are also, wait for it.....COMFORTABLE!

So whether you're sporting them on your nails, in your hair or on your feet, get your SEQUIN on!

VIA Coffee Milkshake

2009-11-17T17:03:00.001-08:00

When I first learned of Starbucks VIA instant coffee I was a little weary. I hold my Starbucks coffee in the highest regard and I just have never really experienced an instant coffee that I think is up to par with brewed coffee...and then I tried it.

Believe it or not, it's pretty, pretty, pretty, good (said in my best Larry David voice). I throw some water in my tea kettle whilst getting ready in the AM and when the whistle blows I pour it in my to go mug and head out the door to work. It is smooth, convenient and totally tasty.

On the weekends, I like to get a little more creative with my coffee choices and this past weekend I concocted a savory VIA Coffee Milkshake.

Here's what you need. A pint of your favorite ice cream (I used Dulce de Leche, but would recommend using your favorite coffee flavored ice cream instead), 16 oz of milk, a cup of ice and depending on how strong you like your coffee 1 or 2 packets of Starbucks VIA coffee.

Just throw it all in the blender, and voila!

Throw a straw in it and sit back and enjoy.

Another Starbucks note...I heart those beautiful red cups (as seen here - don't worry I still need to get a pic with my cup for this season) and love the yumminess that is holiday drinks every season. Although I cannot enjoy my eggnog latte for another 9 days, I decided to try their new Caramel Brulee Latte...

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I enjoyed it for the first three sips and then it was just a little too sweet for me. However if you like your coffee on the sweeter side I would definitely advise you to give a shot.

What's your signature holiday beverage? Have you tried the VIA? What do you think? Have any coffee inspired recipes like this one that you want to share?

Song Of The Week: Whatever You Like

2009-11-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

I could not keep my eyes open for last weeks episode of Gossip Girl, but managed to open my eyes long enough to hear Anya Marina's awesome cover of T.I.'s "Whatever You Like". Unfortunately I fell asleep, and forgot the name of the song that I wanted to download the next day. Luckily for me Live.to.the.point.of.tears posted this song and artist and it all came flashing back to me.

I love the original and am totally feeling Anya's version in a whole new way. Fun, light, and sexy, this song is currently being played on the IPod every 10 to 15 songs.

You can have whatever you like...and I think you will like this!

Forever Frugal Friday : Bootie Edition

2009-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

I have been very hesitant to try this bootie trend as I pictured it would just make my legs look even stubbier. However, I watched an episode of Oprah this week and they put a 50+ year old woman in a pair of booties with tights and she looked adorable! Which got me thinking....if she can do it, surely I can take a chance?

Enter Urban Studded Bootie from Forever. Sassy, flashy and just the right price. I am thinking with some black tights, a black skirt, a simple white tee and a bold clustered pearl necklace, I may just have the perfect going out outfit for the weekend ahead.

So go ahead.... "Bootie, Bootie, Bootie, Bootie, Rockin' Everywhere"

It's Bacon!!

2009-11-12T13:47:00.001-08:00

My name is Lyndsy, and I totally love bacon.

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The smell, taste, everything! Let's be honest anything combined with bacon equals instantly delicious. With the recent bacon obsession, interesting combinations can be found everywhere. My co-worker recently sent me a link to chocolate covered bacon and I was instantly curious to sample this immediately.

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In Shirlington Village, there is a darling little wine shop called The Curious Grape, where they host daily (free) wine tastings (we went Friday, Saturday & Sunday) and offer a variety of fantastic wine, cheeses and salami's, as well as....Chocolate Covered Bacon. We purchased a bar on Friday night, and the cashier informed us that the rest of the bars would be gone by Saturday night. Well sure enough, Saturday night, one bar remained out of the original 15!

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I would love to tell you all that I LOVED every bite of the Vosges Mo's Bacon Bar, but sadly it just didn't do it for me. You could definitely taste the bacon, but something wasn't right. Maybe it was the quality of the chocolate, maybe the chunks of bacon weren't big enough...whatever it was just left me disappointed.

Which means...I am still on the quest for the best bacon dessert treat out there. Next on my list to try is Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle from Dean & Deluca.

This combo might be more what I am looking for. I am thinking I may just order some to sample or bring to the next holiday party I attend. I am pretty sure I won't have to worry about someone bringing the same thing!

On a sweet treat non-bacon related side note:

I did sample from Dean & Deluca the most delectable treat I have EVER had in my life (yep I said it).

Although super pricey (I paid $3.00 for 2 pieces) the Sea Salt Caramel Collection is worth every penny. I seriously moaned in the store when I bit into the chocolate. If you are looking for a gift for that person who has a sweet tooth and enjoys salty treats, this little puppy is sure to bring you to the top of their favorite people list. Ah-Mazing!

So, am I alone in the desire for desserts containing bacon? Do you know of an amazing recipe or dessert I should be trying (or avoiding)? Let's hear it!