InStyle Look of the Day, A Year in Review

Its that time of year. You know, the time when everyone and their cat decides to post a year end best of list? Well for the past few years, my favorite has always been the InStyle.com Look of the Day Best-Of editions. Its fun to look back on some of the more memorable looks of the year. Click here to view today's look:  Lace! 

Jonathan and Vanessa

I had soooo much fun with Jonathan and Vanessa at their very cold, but very entertaining engagement session in Wash park recently. Jonathan is absolutely hilarious and he kept us entertained during the windy and cold shoot! And I love how gorgeous Vanessa is when she's smiling. What a fun couple! Thanks again!

Happy Birthday to Me.

I ain't even mad. 27's gonna be just fine. As long as we're still alive after today, of course...

Holiday Traditions: Family Throwdown

Ok, we don't actually do a WWF style brawl in the living room. Its a cooking throwdown, as in a Bobby (be still my heart) Flay throwdown. Two members of the family compete head to head on the same traditional dish, adding their own special twist to make it unique. We bring in outside judges (ahem...mostly friends) and each dish is judged numerically on three different categories. The judging used to be anonymous, but I think its more fun to know who did which dish. To date, we have done meatballs, chili, chicken enchiladas and sliders. This Christmas is my favorite to date: tacos. 

Holiday Traditions: Tom and Jerry's

This one is probably one of my favorite things about Christmas Eve with my family. If you're unfamiliar with this festive drink, ask your grandparents. I'm sure they used to drink these back in the day. Its similar to eggnog, but warm and creamy and definitely boozy.  Since we've become of drinking age, its been a holiday must-have at the Holmes household. We even have special Tom and Jerry mugs that we store and keep all year just for this one occasion. I really don't know what my brothers and I would do without it!

Here are traditional directions, but note that the batter can be made ahead of time and frozen in tupperware. We typically make it one cup at a time by putting a dollop of the batter in a mug with brandy, whiskey and rum, and fill the rest up with boiling water. And if you're worried about the raw eggs, you needn't be. What the boiling water doesn't cook, the 3 oz of liquor surely will. 

• 
  
• 6 Large Eggs. Room temperature.
• 3 Cups Confectioners' Sugar
• 1/3 Cup Brandy or Cognac
• 1/3 Cup Rum
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• *Note that we also use whiskey in ours, but that's up to you. My family's alcohol intake around the holidays has always been somewhat questionable. 

Separate the egg whites in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the yolks with a mixer and add the confectioner's sugar at high speed for about 2 min. They should thicken. Beat the egg whites at high speed until soft peaks form. Slowly fold the egg whites mixture a little at a time until blended. Serve in a decorative bowl or freeze for later. Just make sure it thaws a little before you blend it, or your drink won't be hot for long! And don't forget to sprinkle a little nutmeg on top before serving!

My mouth is seriously watering so much I can almost taste it.

Oh, BTW.  In the interest of full disclosure, I must tell you that our local liquor store sells their own frozen Tom and Jerry mix.  I must also tell you that we buy and use this mix.  It’s good.  It’s not as good as this recipe, but it’s good.  There.  Now I feel better. 

Holiday Traditions: Cookie Party

As Christmas nears, I get more and more excited about all the little traditions my family has that makes the holidays unique and make our time together even more special. Over the next few days, I'm excited to share a few of them with you, the first being an annual cookie party with friends
For the past few years, my two besties and I have gotten together a few days before Christmas for a little cookie party. Its a great way to spend the afternoon with two of the people I care most about. We each bring a cookie recipe that we want to try, get drunk on champagne and have a blast catching up and preparing treats for our families to enjoy. 

This year, (since all three of us are either engaged(!) or married(!) yay!) we have invited our guys along for the fun. Not sure how excited they are about decorating cookies, but between you and me, I think they'll have more fun than they expect. Plus I'm bringing a recipe that includes bacon, so at least they can get excited about that. Can't wait to see you besties!

12.21.12

We need to talk about the world ending, right? I mean, its a week away at this point. How are any of us functioning and living normal lives right now? This is huge people, AND it just so happens to be on my birthday. But that's good I guess. Sortof win/win for me. If we don't die, well that's obviously a win, but if we do then I'll never be a day over 27, so I guess I've got that going for me. It is kindof weird that so many people are freaking out about a day that I am usually really excited for. At least the clerk at the liquor store thought it was humorous that my date of birth is the day we are all supposed to perish from the earth. Glad I could do that for him.

In all seriousness, as we all know by now, the Mayan calendar doesn't end on 12/21/12, it simply restarts. A good reminder for us all to restart things in our lives that need to change. For me, thats going to be focusing on building my professional brand and growing my business, and working on making the important relationships in my life a priority. I'm counting on y'all to keep me accountable.

In other news, I am completely done with my holiday shopping. This has to be some sort of record for me. Be impressed. Be very impressed.

Have a great weekend lovelies!

Sev and I take off for Chicago today! We are headed to shoot a dear friend's wedding this Saturday and  hope to spend some time enjoying the city. Have a great weekend!

For Him

Today its the guy's turn with a bunch of gift ideas for the men in your life, again, all under $100.

Sephora Fragrance Sampler for Him $50

UO Glass Gun Decanter $24

J. Crew Cashmere Scarf $98

Etch-a-sketch iPad Case $37

Timex Weekender Watch $37

H&M Sweater Hoodie $35

J. Crew Flannel $79

For Her

A helpful little gift guide for the ladies in your life, with everything under $100.

H&M Sweater $25
Sephora Blockbuster Collection $50
J. Crew Link Bracelet $88
Tory Burch Wallet $95
Agate Coaster Set $64
Pantone iPhone Case $35
Topshop Cami $72
Anthropologie Pitcher $78

Weekend

Sev and I had a really awesome weekend in Denver. We (finally) decorated our tree, made some badass chili, went to a glass blowing/body painting show in the RiNo Arts district AND saw the new Bond movie (which was amazing, BTW). Here are a few pictures from our busy weekend. 

December Book Review: The Preppy Handbook

"It is the inalienable right of every man, woman and child to wear khaki." Says the opening lines of The Official Preppy Handbook. And it is with that same smug parody that this "handbook" instructs its readers on how to be a true prep. Covering everything from which schools to attend and how to throw a proper cocktail party, to which brands to wear and sports to play, the book guides you throughout life, so you never miss an opportunity to show your peers just how preppy you really are. Although this book was written in 1980, you'll be amazed to see that almost all of the rules still apply in today's world. I was also surprised to see that I myself have some pretty prep tendencies with boat shoes, flannel shirts, aviators, bloody mary's, gin and tonics, tennis, golf, skiing and brunches all fitting themselves into my daily routine on a regular basis, proving that if you know one prep, you know 'em all. It is hilarious in how spot on it really is, and you may even find yourself to be a little more 'prep' than you thought. 

Wednesday Wishlist: Cooking Tools

Oh kitchen gadgets! How I love thee! While most girls swoon over shoes and dresses, I lust for the latest cooking tools that always make my time in the kitchen quicker and easier. Over the holidays as I prepare meals and festive goodies I am reminded of a few of my favorite culinary tools...from the practical (a dutch oven that will survive anything...including a house fire) to the fun (try using a strawberry huller...you'll love it) there are just certain things you never knew you always needed. And all of thesm make wonderful presents and stocking stuffers for the foodie in your life. 

Bodum French Press $30
Cuisinart Elite Food Processor $200
Pizza Stone $20
Le Creuset Dutch Oven $220
Strawberry Huller $8
Sea Salt $11
Wusthof 10 Piece Knife Block $180

Holiday Cheer

My holiday season has sortof gotten off to a rough start this year. Knowing that I have lots to be thankful for definitely helps me get in the holiday spirit, however. And helping my mom decorate her home has really made it feel like Christmas is finally here. 

 Just one of my numerous Barbie ornaments!

AND! I want to wish my bestie (and newly engaged friend) Brooke a very happy birthday. Sending you love this 4th of December. Love and happiness to my fellow Sagittarius. Can't wait to see you in a few weeks!

Poppi

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you my beloved grandfather passed away last Friday. Dale was an amazing man. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, mentor, dance partner and friend. His presence will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. 
In his honor, I ask that you take a moment and send a bit of love to the important people in your life. I am so glad I was able to be with him and my family in his final days and say goodbye. I love you so much Poppi, and my life truly won't be the same without you in it. 

Dale, looking dapper in the black suit, on his wedding day, 60 years ago this October. 

Me and Poppi dancing in the kitchen. I'm guessing I was a senior in high school here

Holiday Playlist

I thought I'd share my current Christmas playlist with y'all. A nice mix of classic holiday tunes and newer versions of some of my favorites. The perfect soundtrack to bake cookies, wrap presents, decorate the house or battle holiday traffic in.

1. Christmastime is Here by Vince Guaraldi Trio (Charlie Brown)

2. Marshmallow World by Darlene Love

3. The Christmas Song by The Raveonettes

4. Have Yourself a Merry Litte Christmas by She and Him

5. The Blizzard by Camera Obscura

6.All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

7. Little Drummer Boy/Silent Night/ Auld Lang Syne by Jimi Hendrix

8. Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight) by The Ramones

9. Please Come Home for Christmas by Aaron Neville

10. Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes

11. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Dean Martin

12. A Change at Christmas by The Flaming Lips

13. Linus and Lucy by Vince Guaraldi Trio

14. Santa Clause is Back in Town by Elvis Presley

15. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Death Cab for Cutie

16. She Came Home for Christmas by Mew

Will Return...

Sorry for my lack of postings lately! Between travel, the holiday and my grandpa in the hospital, I've had my hands full. I promise to return soon!

Hope you had a lovely holiday with friends and family. Here are a few snaps I took of my family while everyone was home...

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving. Be thankful, eat lots, spend time with friends and family and watch some football!

Estes Family

A few weeks ago I ventured to south Denver to the Littleton Historical Museum to shoot the ADORABLE Estes family. These kids are some of the cutest, most polite, and photogenic I've had the pleasure of working with. The museum was the perfect backdrop for a family photo session and I'm glad there was still plenty of color on the trees to give it a fall feel.