Eat this, now.

July 19th, 2010 by Ruth

Crumb Cake

There is nothing I enjoy more than a piece of crumb cake. And I’m not just talking any old crumb cake. A self-proclaimed crumb cake expert, it has to be comprised of a predominantly thick, dense, semi-sweet layer of “crumb” with a thin layer of moist yellow cake that will potentially be eaten. I say this because, well, if the crumb part of the cake is divine enough, one will forgo the yellow cake and enjoy the deliciousness of the cinnamon goodness of the crumb.

Well, a great friend of mine just climbed the friendship ladder and reached supreme status when she brought this piece of crumb cake to my home. This divine morsel holds all of the above noted qualities and much more. Not too sweet, not too cinnamony, perfectly proportioned, and fresh from the oven, I could have eaten the entire sheet. Known for their hit TV show, Cake Boss, Carlo’s Bake Shop of Hoboken, NJ, literally takes the cake in my book.

Crumb Cake

Tablescape moments.

July 8th, 2010 by Ruth

I had the opportunity to see how event designer, Angela Giannopolous of SC3 Group would style the chic staples and up-and-coming tablescape and catering accessories from Oneida a few weeks ago. From whimsy to hotel chic, she created breathtaking designs perfect for any moment in your life. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the event. Feeling inspired? These pieces are currently available and can be found at Oneida.com.

Greetings.

Greeted by delicious cocktails in chic champagne flutes. I just love the symmetry of the arrangement and bright color of the concoction.

This is a fresh twist on the classic picnic table. I just adore the Culinaria dinnerware line in vibrant Chili. I love the idea of mixing reds with pinks and oranges and muting the palette with silvers and pops of green.

This is a fresh twist on the classic picnic table. I adore the Culinaria dinnerware line in vibrant Chili. I love the idea of mixing reds with pinks and oranges and muting the palette with silvers and pops of green.

When I came across this tablescape set with Tranquility Blue dinnerware, my heart sank and I had a moment. I dreamt of my dream wedding and how I could think of nothing more perfect than this display. The lovely sapphire hue and rich silk fabrics draping the table create a table fit for a king and queen. My eye is instantly drawn to the delicious flowers and delicate crystals capturing the candlelight.

When I came across this tablescape set with Tranquility Blue dinnerware, my heart sank and I had a moment. I had visions of my dream wedding and how I could think of nothing more perfect than this display. The lovely sapphire hue and rich silk fabrics draping the table created a setting fit for a king and queen (or for me and my future husband). My eye is instantly drawn to the flowers and delicate crystals capturing the candlelight.

I felt as though I had walked into a Morgan's Hotel when I saw this black and white tablescape. Inspired by Asia de Cuba, this chic table was dressed with Chef's Table dinnerware in Hard Square. I love the dramatic look of the black flowers, crystal encrusted skull and pops of yellow throughout the look. Perfect when entertaining the trendy crowd.

I felt as though I had walked into a Morgan's Hotel when I saw this black and white tablescape. Inspired by Asia de Cuba, this chic table was dressed with Chef's Table dinnerware in Hard Square. I love the dramatic look of the black flowers, crystal encrusted skull and pops of yellow throughout the look. Perfect when entertaining the trendy crowd.

I love the simplicity of this glass ice bucket. It's a perfect way to present a fabulous bottle of wine or champagne when entertaining guests. Simply divine.

I love the simplicity of this glass ice bucket. It's a perfect way to present a fabulous bottle of wine or champagne when entertaining guests. Simply divine.

Holiday.

July 2nd, 2010 by Ruth

The 4th of July might be one of my most favorite holidays, ever. There is nothing I enjoy more than being in good company and snacking on delicious food with those I love the most. From fresh food right off the grill and cold drinks to refresh after a day at the beach, these are a few of my favorite things.

grill

burglur.

corn

refresh

Classy.

July 1st, 2010 by Ruth

I have a thing for well-preserved, classic cars and when I saw this teal Thunderbird parked on Lafayette at Great Jones, naturally, I had to have a moment.

classy.

Shirt: BCBC

Jacket: Zara

Pants: Zara

Watch Bangle: Kenneth Jay Lane

Bag: Hayden Harnett for Target

Shoes: Nine West

Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Settling in.

June 15th, 2010 by Ruth

There comes a point in every person’s life when you need to be reminded to find that zen den that brings you back to calm. While I have a daily reminder hanging in my home that encourages me to “Keep Calm and Carry On”, I’ve found peace and serenity in my community, Prospect Park. Take a stroll through the greenery to see how I’m settling into my resurfaced feelings of freedom and empowerment.

DSC_0217

Vision

Relaxation

Rest

Treasure trove.

June 12th, 2010 by Ruth

There’s nothing more exciting than uncovering a treasure trove at an estate sale. At a reasonable price, antiques, heirlooms, and keepsakes can be found to freshen your lifestyle. Recently, I came across the below, beautiful glassware. Trimmed in 14K gold, these brightly colored bowls and drinking glasses make a colorful, classy addition to my cupboard.

What kind of treasures have you found at sales?

DSC_0272

trimmed.

full house

Hat heaven.

May 11th, 2010 by Ruth

Eugenia Kim for Target hat

A fan of fellow New Yorker, Eugenia Kim’s line since the day her collection hit Barneys, I’ve ooh’ed and ah’ed at the beauty of her masterpieces. The fabrics, hardware, and precision used to create her hats are impeccable and make me very happy.  But at nearly $300 a pop, the chicskate in me would never let me splurge that much on a hat – even at the weakest moments in life.

Needless to say, the second I heard about her partnership with Target, I shed tears of joy. After waiting for what seemed to be eons for the line to hit the stores, I finally scored my own, affordable Eugenia Kim for Target fedora!

Simply put, it’s adorable and just perfect. A big hug to Target and Eugenia Kim for this partnership made in hat heaven.

Eugenia Kim for Target Fedora

Eugenia Kim for Target Plaid Straw Fedora with Blue Trim, $17

April 23rd, 2010 by Catherine

be_right_back

We’re mixing things up a bit. After a brief hiatus, we’re coming back in May, bringing with us some changes to our beloved site. Don’t worry – we won’t be gone too long.

Live well, spend wisely.

Pretty shades of green.

April 22nd, 2010 by Ruth

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Interestingly, forty years ago, 20 million Americans joined together for the first time to demonstrate for a healthy sustainable environment. And now, with a broad spectrum of  companies and eco-friendly news outlets targeting every type of consumer, there is absolutely no reason for you to not make a conscious effort to reduce your eco-footprint. If you’ve been following us on Twitter (@chic_thrills), you will see that we’ve shared a number of every day green tips. Now, I’d like to share a few of my favorite pretty green products.

Spa Wisdom™ Morocco Black Olive & Argan Oil Scrub, $28

The Body Shop Spa Wisdom™ Morocco Black Olive & Argan Oil Scrub, $28

I’ve been using this smooth, luxurious exfoliant scrub for about 3 weeks now. Every time I open the jar, a burst of luscious, deep, intoxicating scents reminiscent of days spent on the Bosphorus and at the Dead Sea take over my senses. I find it leaves my skin smooth, silky, and refreshed after each use. Plain and simple – I’m obsessed! And then when I found out that The Body Shop partnered with Earth Aid, I was even more infatuated.

For those of you who don’t know, find out. This D.C.-based energy start-up is the first and only service that enables households to track all utility usage and savings in one place and online. Yes chicskates, the service is not only free but for using it, you accumulate Earth Aid Rewards points that can be utilized at The Body Shop! For every 75 Earth Aid Rewards points earned, The Body Shop offers $10 off any purchase of $50 or more! Sign up here.

L'Oreal The Serie Nature Collection Abondance de Cacao

L'Oréal Professionel The Serie Nature Collection Abondance de Cacao

When I first saw the L’Oréal Professionel Abondance de Cacao shampoo I was a little hesitant to use it. I mean, who wants a brown shampoo that smells like chocolate in their shower? Well, I pushed my apprehensions aside and used it and fell in love – again. Silicone free and 100% natural color, this revitalizing shampoo releases a bouquet of cacao, not chocolate, and fresh mint straight off the sprig during each use. I mean, the second you squeeze the shampoo into your hand, there is this waft of deliciousness that fills the air. It leaves my baby fine hair manageable, full of body and light.

Demeter Dirt, $10

Demeter Dirt, $10

Believe it or not, I’m an “outdoorsey” person. I frequent parks, botanical gardens, and flower shows often. To me, there is nothing that smells more natural and fresh than the great out doors and this Demeter Naturals Dirt embodies this. Made with 100% all natural essential oils, Demeter Dirt  consists of 95% natural ingredients and are earth friendly. Available at a price that any chicskate can afford, Dirt and other Demeter scents are a no-brainer.

Inspiration.

April 13th, 2010 by Ruth
{Avon Foundation is a client}

After seeing this compelling video of the Avon Walk for Cancer kick-off at the Houston Walk, I became inspired to become involved. Not only is it coupled withone of my favorite, inspiring songs, but the images encourage and pull at my heart strings. The Avon Houston Walk raised $2 million to advance access to care and find a cure for breast cancer. More than 1,000 participants from 33 states and Washington, D.C., including 97 breast cancer survivors, participated. During the Closing Ceremony, a five-year breast cancer survivor was one of the several speakers who provided an immediate reminder of the impact of breast cancer and the importance of taking action.

As a reminder, tomorrow (4/14) is the last day to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer at a discounted rate. Show you’re In It To End It by signing up for $45 at avonwalk.org, using promo code walk3. Avon Walks of 2010: Washington, DC (May 1-2); Boston, MA (May 15-16); Chicago, IL (June 5-6); Rocky Mountains, CO (June 26-27); San Francisco, CA (July 10-11); Santa Barbara, CA* (September 11-12); New York, NY (October 16-17); and Charlotte, NC (October 23-24).