All This Grace and Charm

Shrimp Pasta and Finger Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:24:00 +0000

Tuesday night I was intent on making a meal for myself.

For those who aren't aware, the Mister travels four to five days a week. So, naturally, most of my dinners consist of dried cereal and the occasional vodka.

But on Tuesday I had high ideals:

Creole-garlic shrimp, tossed with an olive oil-y angel hair pasta.

I was already congratulating myself on making a vaguely gourmet dinner for one when, in the midst of de-vaining a shrimp, I sliced the tip of my middle finger clean off.

I mean, this fingertip, it flew across the room.

Horrifying.

So, I called the Mister. Not a friend to take me to the emergency room before I bled out in the middle of the kitchen, but the Mister, who was some 3,000 miles away at a conference.

And, I said something to the effect of...

::Sob:: I've lost a finger! A fingerrrrrr! ::Sob:: You are never here when tragedy strikes! ::Sob:: I really liked that finger! ::Sob:: ::Sob:: ::Sob::

He said...

GO TO THE ER.

Oh, right.

I called my best friend to take me, who, like any good (fellow) hypochondriac, is quite familiar with the ER.

We hunted down my finger bit and tucked it away in a Ziplock with ice.

(She recommended the ice. Apparently, I was going to let my own finger tip shrivel. I would make a terrible organ thief.)

The tip was not worth reattaching, as it turned out. So, my friend kept it next to her in the waiting room as I bled profusely while waiting for the Doctor to glue and gauze me up in the back.

And then, the unspeakable happened...

A woman sat on my finger tip.

Sat on it!

Not that I was going to preserve it for posterity or anything. But I would have liked the option.

I am channeling George Costanza with my fetching new bandage, in that I appear to be flicking off everyone I come into contact with; both advantageous and not-so in the city, depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

Also, I am typing like an eighty year-old man. You are lucky I made it this far.

Sneakpeeq Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:32:00 +0000

I am just short of obsessed with the high-end discount sites cropping up around the web. (How did they know I needed eighteenth century Japanese dessert forks!?)

Seriously.

I had to briefly ban myself from them--the operative word being briefly--after dumping nearly all of my disposable income on fancy pillows and tea cups last November. Ahem.

(When Sneaqpeeq contacted me about a partnership, it was really a no-brainer.)

On to the part you care about:

Sneakpeeq is hooking you up with 20% off of your next purchase just for entering my giveaway, plus a chance to receive a $25 gift card to use on Sneakpeeq's fabulous style and home products.

Enter the giveaway by:

Clicking here and joining Sneakpeeq.

Earn an extra entry by:

"Liking" AGC on Facebook.

All winners will be announced on 3/2/12.

Shabby Apple Review

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:01:00 +0000

I received the sassy little grey number pictured from Shabby Apple, an online boutique of women's dresses, a few weeks ago.

I think it's fair to say that I am in love.

The brilliant thing about this skirt, and really, so many of Shabby Apple's garments, is that it makes all of the Ben and Jerry's I indulge in nightly look like pinup-y curves. Ahem.

A couple of days ago, I paired the skirt with a conservative top and low pumps for the office. Later, I wore it with stilettos and a v-neck for an evening out. It's totally versatile.

If you dig what you see, I suggest "liking" Shabby Apple on Facebook. I've been enjoying SA clothing for nearly a year now and absolutely recommend it.

My Dog Ate My Gym Membership

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Via

Let's talk about fitness.

::Removes cookie from mouth::

Okay. Now.

Do you gym? P90X? Stationary bike in front of Real Housewives?

Or, do you scoff at weight-obsessed Americans because the metabolic gods have spared you from that particular concern?

(If you are of the latter camp, kindly move along.... )

Personally, I gym. Or, I did gym. Fancy like. At places that call themselves Athletic Clubs and have shiny equipment and spa services.

But then, I got a dog. And, would you believe that she demands to be walked every night?

My gym time has become dog time. One to two days a week, I do double duty and hit the gym after I walk the dog. Of course, one to two days a week doesn't touch what I pay in membership to strut my stuff--or lack thereof--amongst my urbanite brethren.

So, with great reluctance, I have traded in my yuppie gym card for an in-home elliptical machine, free weights and assorted aerobic videos. (Now, to invest in proper window shades, lest my neighbors see me prancing like a fat Barbie.)

Who else works out at home? Especially former gym goers, I need your encouragement...

Weekend Link Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:52:00 +0000

A gorgeous photo by Kaylynn Marie, the photographer booked for our one year anniversary shoot in New Orleans.

My dog ate upwards of a dozen of my very favorite books. You know, the ones that I would never, as an adult in her mid-twenties, read, but which I did read (once) in college and keep around in order to prove my intellectual prowess to guests.

Also, there is water leaking in our bathroom, from upstairs. I expect the ceiling to cave-in at any moment, leaving my horrid neighbor to use the hole as a garbage shoot. Or something.

It has been a week of small disasters. And, as it turns out, a terrible time to start limiting my alcohol consumption...

Some links:

Jackie and her fabulous table.

Is it summer yet?

Mugs for coffee addicts.

Baked halibut with sour cream, parmesan and dill.

Vintage circus pictures.

A wall of dresses for a little girl's room.

How to occupy a mischievous dog.

I have no words for Eli Saab's spring 2012 line.

I made this lemon poppy-seed pound cake last week and it was incredible. (I used two sticks of butter verses what the recipe calls for...which is less...)

Ten new ways to cook quinoa.

Thoughts on Responses to "Why Put a Bumper Sticker on a Ferrari?"

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Looks like a Ferrari to me. Via.

If you haven't already seen them, I encourage you to read the following:

-Lisa Khoury's response to the negative feedback she has received with regards to her article, "Why Put a Bumper Sticker on a Ferrari?"

-Her managing editor's response, "Tattoo This, Haters."

It is incredible to me that Khoury has the gall to defend the opprobriously assumptive and sexist article she wrote. Perhaps she is too young to know that writing an "opinion" piece still requires research of the subject at hand. Above all, perhaps she is too young to know that writing an opinion piece requires tact; of which she exhibited none.

From a PR standpoint, I am shocked that the paper allowed her to temper her apology with several paragraphs defending her words and also, painting herself as a victim. Lisa Khoury is not a victim. Lisa Khoury is simply learning the tough lesson that willfully writing for an audience subjects one to both positive and negative feedback, on any scale.

Am I saying that the hateful feedback she received is morally right? No. Certainly not. What I am saying, however, is that this feedback is a direct result of reckless journalism.

The managing editor, Edward Benoit's response is nearly as ridiculous, in that it discounts the overwhelming sexism present in Khoury's original article to suggest that anyone responding to her words is wasting his time expressing anger over a non-issue like tattoos.

Wake up, Benoit, Khoury reduces women's worthiness to their fit physique and makeup-or lack thereof. THAT is the main issue here. And, the last time I checked, the cultural perception and treatment of women is-and has been-a highly pertinent issue, for say, the last ninety years.

My sincere hope is that both journalists receive some sound counsel from seasoned faculty. Because, no professor of mine would have stood for such negligence.

Wherein I Express My Confusion at Everything

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:48:00 +0000

It's a circus out there, folks. Via.

Wow.

Is it just me, or is the world on crack this week?

Let's see, there was that whole business of Susan G. Komen pulling its Planned Parenthood funding...

Wait, what?

Oh yeah. That really happened.

I guess it's too much for folks to heed the numbers, which would tell them that only 3% of Planned Parenthood's work is abortion-related. Or, maybe they just choose to ignore that particular factoid. Because, if they acknowledge it, they must simultaneously acknowledge that the other 97% of Planned Parenthood's business is basic healthcare-like breast exams-for thousands of women all over the country; basic healthcare which they would have to assume responsibility for taking away.

Broad blanket funding cuts are a reductive solution at best and a highly dangerous one at worst.

Pro-lifers, if you want to decrease the abortion rate, try working towards comprehensive and realistic sex education. A friend of mine can tell you all about that in this stellar article he wrote for Salon: "I'm pro-life and I support Planned Parenthood."

What else happened this week...

Oh! This highly intelligent, well-researched journalist wrote an evocative piece about how women who get tattoos are classless and unproductive.

Yeah...

Fortunately, Danielle adequately summed up my feelings about THAT.

On a lesser note, the planets in my own little universe have jumped axis, or whatever planets do. I can't provide details, but suffice to say, I was forced to punch my hand through a window in order to enter my home. It was my own personal Hulk moment. There was blood, there was glass, there was PANDEMONIUM.

But, I survived. And, I will go on to provide you with useful content around here once again. (The term "useful" is subjective in this case. Ahem.)

Quit Washing Your Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:32:00 +0000

Even in this god-awful cell phone picture, my hair still looks good. I haven't washed it in five days...

When was the last time you washed your hair? Yesterday? Two days ago?

Three days ago? ::GASP::

Well, let me tell you something. I have not washed my hair in five days. FIVE DAYS!

And, at this rate, shampoo and water may never grace my scalp again.

Because, I have discovered Klorane Dry Shampoo.

It has changed my life. Or, at least, my mornings. To the tune of 45 additional minutes of shut-eye.

I know, I know. It seems too good. But, I swear, it's the real deal. Just spray on, let set for two minutes and brush out.

BOOM. Soft, shiny hair full of sexy volume.

I used it after working out last night, drenched in sweat.

I recently ordered The All Nighter, which is a competing product. It should arrive soon and I will post a comparison.

In the meantime, go buy yourself some Klorane and sleep in tomorrow.

Weekend Link Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:28:00 +0000

Dressing up on a Sunday; my attempt to combat winter blues.
Sweater, Banana Republic. Skirt, J. Crew. Blouse, Target. Tights, Calvin Klein.

I am going to get a sun lamp. I have decided.

Every year I forget that I think that I have Seasonal Affective Disorder, only to greet mid-January by pestering the Mister about how irritable I am (for no reason!) and how I think that I have Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Maybe I am being melodramatic.

Seriously though, when I lived in Portland, where the sun shows its face far less than in the (dreary) Midwest, I basically went catatonic for a year.

Fat and catatonic.

Something has got to be done. And, since I have resolved not to make unnecessary purchases this month, I can't just drown myself in expensive bubble bath...or something.

Has anyone out there ever bought a sun lamp? Thoughts? Recommendations?

Some links:

I die for this All Saints dress.

I'm digging the fringe bikinis for 2012.

Sweet Tea Cocktails.

A digital measuring cup. Brilliant.

I can't wait to get my All Nighter styling powder in the mail. (And quit washing my hair...)

Kim Noorda for Ellery Resort Campaign.

A DIY I might actually do: copper leaf candles.

A cupcake shortcut.

Exercises for hard-to-tone areas.

11 beauty pick-me-ups for under $11.

Slow-cook tomato-basil parmesan soup.

Meal Planning For The Hopelessly Disorganized

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Via

Chicago is doing Chicago today, at a balmy nine degrees, snow shooting down in sheets. Days like this, the streets are just magical. What with the hundreds of cursing commuters, waddling to their trains in sleeping bags masquerading as coats.

Let me tell you something: Life slows down when the city hits single digits. We stop ~~working out~~ eating out, in favor of stuffing ourselves with industrial-sized boxes of macaroni and cheese and watching regrettable television. For days--maybe months--on end.

This year, I've vowed to be prepared. Because, if I don't start planning meals, I will be an elephant by the first thaw. It's happened before, people.

It should be noted that, as a working woman, I have been rather anti-meal planning. Who needs the additional stress? At my house, on any given day, you might be fed an expertly roasted, Spanish chicken with sauteed garlicky greens...or cold cereal.

Because, like my approach to most everything in life, my cooking style is ~~stubborn~~ All or Nothing.

Anyway, I've noticed a lot of chatter around the blogosphere about meal planning. Folks offer a myriad of tips and tricks for doing it successfully, some of which are probably useful. Yours truly, however, was not swayed to meal plan until she found How Does She Do It.

Here's how the site works:

Select recipes for the week from a giant database or input your own.
Add selected recipes to your calendar.
Print your shopping list--which is generated FOR you based on the recipes that you select.

Genius, no?

Here's what really sold me on this site: The shopping list is organized by sections in the grocery store. Hours of my life have been saved. Because, as a nearly 25 year-old woman, I have yet to master the proximal difference between milk and shaving cream.

Goat Cheese and Cranberry Egg Bake with Thyme

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:50:00 +0000

Breakfast rarely graces my table in the form of anything but garlic bagels. And, maybe a wayward croissant or two, purchased at the cafe across the street by the Mister after much bemoaning of hunger pangs by yours truly.

I am awful at mornings. I require, at least, half a french press to begin speaking in complete sentences. It follows then, that cooking is totally beyond my scope of a.m. ability.

BUT, egg bakes hardly necessitate any real cooking. Requiring no knives or stove-top maneuvering, they're safe for the morning-impaired. Just plunk in the ingredients and bake.

I died a little when I made this:

Cranberries
Goat Cheese
Organic Eggs (2)
Thyme
Salt
Pepper

Grease two mini-cocottes with butter. Crack one egg in each. Add one tablespoon milk to each. Cover with goat cheese. Add cranberries, thyme, salt and pepper to taste. Bake at 350 for ten minutes. Remove lids and broil for an additional five minutes.

*You can also use one ramekin in lieu of two mini-cocottes. But I recommend the cocottes. They're adorable and the Le Creuset variety practically cook things themselves.

NOLA - Anniversary Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:58:00 +0000

Just a little stroll down memory lane with these photos - the last time the Mister and I were in New Orleans.

We were dating and yours truly was a dewy 22. That was a good age, no? Old enough for booze, but not so for fine lines and vague feelings of having chosen the wrong career.

Anyway.

We love NOLA. Yours truly, especially.

Because, people who think they are writers eventually feel the inclination to make a pilgrimage to literary meccas like this. To take ~~hipster~~ grainy photos in front of the Faulkner house and to read Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the bar where Tennessee Williams sat and drank. And drank and drank and drank. Much to the chagrin of their more sensible spouses, who just want some Etouffee already.

We are celebrating our first anniversary on March 26th with five days in NOLA. Also, we are celebrating my 25th birthday. But, no need to dwell on that.

I am currently in search of a photographer to spend a few hours following us around in the French Quarter. I need your recommendations. Also, your suggestions for eateries are appreciated.

2012 Links

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:56:00 +0000

At least I was wearing a great dress...

I threw my back out during New Year's Limbo (which is a thing). Embarrassment. Shame. Just for the record, however, I got low.

I don't know if it is the puke-y looking heating pad I have glued to my lower vertebra, or the fact that I have not been able to combat my holiday poundage with any kind of physical activity since the fatal eve of the limbo, but I am in a New Year's funk.

There, I said it. New Year's Funk.

I imagine it will pass once everyone starts breaking their resolutions and I stop feeling inferior for having made none.

So, I owe you links:

I could use this Armani bag for spring. How about you?

All little boys should be dressed like this.

How to clean your hair without shampoo.

I made these Proscuitto-Mozzarella Skewers for NYE and they were delish. Top with a little truffle salt to be really decadent.

Rorschach ink blot mugs. I die.

If you like ice coffee you must have this cold press. My mother-in-law gave me one for Christmas and I am in love.

Monogram cocktail napkins. Yes, I am still on the hunt for some.

Ginger Cranberry Whiskey Sour. Oh bartender...

These French stroller bags are so chic.

Speaking of chic, check out this office made entirely of Good Will items.

What to Eat (And Drink) on NYE

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:06:00 +0000

Against all of my better judgement, I volunteered to host New Year's Eve. Many of you are familiar with this holiday as the one which features glitter nail polish and dashed expectations.

On evenings such as New Year's Eve, which are wont to provoke reflection and self-examination, I find that it is best to distract people with food and booze. If you would like recipes for any of the items found on my menu, email me.

I Survived Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:51:00 +0000

Why yes, that is a 20 ft Christmas tree in my parents' living room.

Christmas can be a harrowing experience, even for the most poised among us. Fortunately, this year was relatively benign. The Mister and I made a quick trip to visit family and exchange gifts in the North Woods. Otherwise Known As, land of bad coffee and intimidating wildlife you didn't think existed. Anyway, the scenery really is something. And, my folks have a "cabin" fit for royalty that they graciously share with us.

5 Indulgent Things

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:06:00 +0000

Alas, the Holiday list of indulgences. And, not a moment too soon, either--if another tourist blinded by skyscrapers stops dead on the sidewalk as I'm in route to work, I will die. DIE.

1. Women forever have raved about the Mason Pearson brush. Especially those with difficult hair--it tames the wildest of manes. And, it lasts a lifetime. (A woman on Amazon claims to have had hers for more than 30 years.)

2. YSL lipstick is worth purchasing if only for its luxe design--it's the kind of heavy, gold number that begs to be worn with diamonds and reapplied after a steakhouse dinner.

3. Louboutins are always a festive choice. And, this less than sky-high pair can be worn comfortably all evening.

4. LUSH Buche De Noe l is my Christmas tradition. Starting yesterday. Full of almonds and brandy, this cleanser is downright regal. My face is silk. Photo via.

5. I appreciate a woman who drinks bourbon. A H Hirsch Reserve is supposedly the Creme de la Creme--I imagine enjoying a glass while sporting a pencil skirt and fur. (Calm down, I only have one fur and it was dead long before I was alive. Which, I think, justifies it having wound up in my closet.)

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:37:00 +0000

The recipient of this fantastically preppy frock is, Joelle from Something Charming. Merry Merry, my dear.

Stuff I Put On My Face

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:56:00 +0000

A lot of women talk about aging with grace.

...What they mean is that, they will systematically beat every ounce of sagging skin and each crop of tiny lines into unceremonious submission, by any and all means humanly possible.

Here are some things that I put on my face to this end, nighttime on the left, daytime on the right.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and Uv Damage Corrector, $67
This is the only anti-aging product that has made a visible change in the appearance of fine lines and other such nonsense on my face. I cannot sing its praises enough.

Clinique Repairwear Eye Cream, $57
Eye cream is the most important part of your nighttime routine. Buy some that works. Like this one. End of story.

Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream, $50

I enjoy this night cream as an add-on to the Repairwear Laser Focus Cream, and can often get a great deal on it when Clinique does their gift bag-y things.

'Kiss My Face' Face and Neck Sunscreen SPF 50, $14
I wear sunblock everyday. Even in blizzard-like conditions. Because I'm a control freak. And it's the best preventative maintenance. This one smells citrus-y and doesn't clog my pores. (I formerly used Neutrogena sunblock until I learned that SPF that isn't natural / organic is crazy toxic.)

Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Daily Repairing Moisturizer, $20
I use this natural moisturizer under my makeup. It's relatively light and keeps my face from looking too dry or too oily.

Aveeno Anti-Fatigue Eye Treatment $11.99
I have just enough of my grandfather's Eastern European blood to make my eyes droop to my chin every morning. This stuff helps. And it feels refreshing.

*All of these products have been cross-checked against the Safety Database . The Clinique items register a low to medium toxicity rating and the sunblock, moisturizer and eye treatment register a low rating. According to the site, none pose a reproductive threat.

How to Shoot Your Own Christmas Card

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:51:00 +0000

If ever you are bored on a beautiful October day, I suggest that you travel to your local Target and purchase several strands of cheap, bulky Christmas lights. Then, place your SLR camera on a tripod and set its timer. Toss a strand of lights over yourself, your husband and your 60 pound dog. Sit back and fain enjoyment as several bulbs shatter and send mild electric shocks up your spine. Repeat fifty times.

...Behold, Christmas card magic.

Weekend Link Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:18:00 +0000

My vacuum has quit. I think, for lack of use. Or, after having ingested a lethal amount of dog hair. One of those.

Anyway, my well-intentioned house cleaning mission was thwarted. And, I was forced to spend the afternoon hunched over my laptop, making vodka labels. Ahem.

Some Links:

I was craving Puppy Chow this weekend--because I am, in fact, a five year old--and this White Chocolate Peanut Butter version hit the spot.

I just ordered one of these Cami Bands, designed to look like a long tank-top under a shirt, without the bulk.

The recipe for Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter.

I love a three-piece suit on a dude.

Banana Republic has the best holiday ads.

A site that gives you recipes based on what's in your fridge.

Friends of the Mister and me, Kelli and Sam, created the most gorgeous space for their little girl.

My best friend bought me this Michael Kors clutch for Christmas. I am beyond thrilled--it's the perfect size for evenings out, with space enough for cards, cash, a compact, lipstick and phone.

This is the first makeup brush set I've found that comes with a holder that I would actually like to see on my vanity.

A chef stand for your i-pad.

I'm digging Spool's rustic clothing, shoes and bags.

Wish List: Guy Gear

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:24:00 +0000

The Mister

Having a clever and worldly husband, the likes of who could fit snugly within the pages of an L.L. Bean catalog, has its challenges, as I am sure the rest of you residing in the utopia of lifestyle blog-land can attest. Ahem.

For one, gift giving.

Some ideas:

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

Infusing Christmas Vodka

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:11:00 +0000

I am a firm believer that Christmas ought to be accompanied by a stiff drink. Or, several. Whatever your particular situation calls for; my rule of thumb is to add one cocktail for every child under five years of age attending festivities and to add four for each relative spending more than one night in your home. Kidding. Mostly. (Subtract one cocktail for each unforeseen trip that you will make to the grocery store to get obscure or forgotten dinner ingredients.)

A classy way to keep yourself merry this season is to infuse your own vodka, all Christmas like, with cranberry, sugar and lime.

Here's how:

1 package fresh cranberries

3 limes

4 teaspoons sugar

Wash cranberries and poke one hole in each berry. (I used a prong on a meat thermometer to do this.) Cut 1 1/2 inch spirals of lime rind from limes. Layer cranberries and lime rind until bottle is full. Add sugar. Add vodka. Shake well. Store at room temperature.

Vodka will mature within two weeks, but can be left for up to two months. Shake bottle every couple of days. Vodka gets sweeter over time.

Decking The Halls (And Other War Stories)

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:10:00 +0000

<p>&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;Wejshd</p> In the midst of the usual Thanksgiving chaos, we managed to decorate the house this weekend. And, make a sappy video about it. (The trick is to ignore how disheveled said house was during the process...)

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:55:00 +0000

This winter, as you jet to more civil climates, you will certainly need a preppy, nautical dress to flounce about in. No?

The lovely folks over at Shabby Apple, an online boutique of women's dresses, contacted me to host such a giveaway.

Enter to win this sophisticated frock by:

1. "Liking" Shabby Apple on Facebook.

2. Following AGC on Google Friend Connect.

3. Commenting on this post with your name, email address and a mention that you have completed the first two steps.

Good luck!

Weekend Link Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Carly Anne) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:05:00 +0000

Girls night: a mess of cheese, wine, olive oil and gossip.

Today the Mister got a makeover.

Much to his chagrin, he packed up his football streaming devices and drove yours truly and her best friend an hour and a half north so that we might trade in his beloved V-neck tee shirts for more ~~age~~ weather appropriate garb.

Enter the J. Crew factory outlet. A spiritual experience, really. For under 320 bones, the Mister, per his new fashion advisers, was able to purchase three heavy cardigans, one pullover sweater, four button-down flannels, three thermal pullovers and a pair of cords. The equivalent of maybe, $1500 in goods at a standard-issue, city J.Crew. Boom.

(If I can get him drunk and convince him to model them all, I promise to post pics.)

Some links:

I often make Champagne Punch for parties because you can stick it in a beverage dispenser and let it be. This Christmasy version looks fabulous.

Have you tried the Oil Cleansing Method yet? What do you think?

Salted Caramel Six-Layer Chocolate Cake.

This is supposedly the best body oil. Silky and light.

Rocky Road Crock Pot Cake.

Did you know that Shabby Apple has a vintage maternity line?

I am dying over these Art Deco reissues of Fitzgerald novels.

A retro flask as a gift.

This Hydra-Stick is great for rolling on dry skin in the winter.

I love the idea of a faux fur rug as a tree skirt.