December 31, 2014

Year in Review 2014

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1. When I met Dom Streater (Project Runway Winner) at NYFW Fall 2014 2. Glam Blogger dinner NYFW Spring 2015
3. At my Bridal Shower | 4. Me and my Bridesmaids in Miami | 5. One of my favorite pictures taken on our wedding day! |
6. Honeymoon in St. Lucia | 7. the view of the 4th of July Fireworks from our roof | 8. Jazz Age Lawn Party | 
9. One of the first days we had Chubs home with us | 10. Amazing Under Armour Event with Mode Media | 
11. Competing at the Civilian Military Combine | 12. Our first Christmas as the Cavanaugh Family | 
13. In Hawaii 


Can you believe we are on the brink of another New Year? I can't! I know I say this every year, but my goodness this year truly flew. I feel so blessed for this year. It's one of (if not) the best year of my life, thus far. Mostly because I got to marry my best friend. Though three weeks prior to our wedding it was a little like hell, the outcome was more then what we could have ever wanted. We went on a truly romantic Honeymoon to St. Lucia. And adopted our sweet little kitty, Chubs! I also had another chance to visit Hawaii, which is really becoming my home away from home. I also had the best bridesmaids and maid of honor who flew down to Miami for my bachelorette party and who helped my mom put on a beautiful bridal shower at my aunts house. So many amazing experiences this year through this blog and outside of it. This year is one for the books!

I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Years Eve! Here's to 2015 let's make it sparkle!

December 25, 2014

Foodie Christmas: Gingerbread Donuts

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My parents are coming over to our apartment this Christmas morning to have breakfast and open gifts. Then we'll head on over to my aunts house for Christmas dinner with the whole family. This year I wanted to do something a little special for Christmas breakfast for us and my parents, since it's my husband and I's first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs. I decided to make donuts but instead of making a fuss on Christmas morning I made them Christmas Eve since I knew that the donuts we made for Halloween kept up well the day after. I wanted something with some Christmas spirit and found a Gingerbread Donut recipe on pinterest from A Kitchen Addiction. My dad is a picky eater so I knew the vanilla glaze on these would be perfect for him but I found another recipe from A Pinch of Yum that had gingerbread donuts with a maple glaze. So I decided to do a batch with a vanilla glaze and a batch with a maple glaze.

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Gingerbread Donuts with Vanilla Gaze
recipe from A Kitchen Addiction
Ingredients
For the Donuts
  • 1 C white whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • ⅛ tsp cloves
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ C brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp molasses
  • ⅓ C milk
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
For the Frosting
  • 1 C confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 tbsp hot water
  • ½ tbsp + ½ tsp milk
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, salt, and brown sugar.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg, molasses, vanilla extract, milk, and butter. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Transfer batter to a pastry bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off. Pipe batter into donut pan filling each cavity about ⅔ full.
  5. Bake for 8 minutes or until edges just start to turn golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  6. While donuts are cooling, stir together all ingredients for the frosting. You may need to add up to another ½ teaspoon of milk to reach desired consistency. Dip tops of donuts into glaze and return to wire rack. Top with sprinkles and allow glaze to harden before serving.
  7. Best served same day but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container.

Maple Glaze recipe from A Pinch of Yum
For the glaze
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

    For the glaze, melt 2 tablespoons butter with ¼ cup brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and boil for about 2 minutes. Add maple syrup and 1 tablespoon milk and bring back to a boil. Add powdered sugar, using the last tablespoon of milk to help thin out the frosting if needed. Keep over low heat (otherwise it will start to crystallize) and dunk each mini donut into the frosting. Frosting should set almost immediately.

Next time I make these I'm going to go a little more heavy on the spices like I do with our gingerbread cookies. They were lacking the gingerbreadness that I love. The dough itself was perfect and moist.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! I will be taken some time off from the blog to spend the Holiday with extended family and my Husband. I will see you all right before the New Year! Don't fret you can also follow me on instagram (@fashionistanygirl) to see all my Holiday celebrations!

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December 22, 2014

Weekend Weart: Doubling Up

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Pakera Jacket: Sanctuary c/o Piperlime | Leopard Jacket: Calvin Klein | Top: H&M | Jeans: Forever21
Boots: Urban Outfitters | Bag: Coach | Hat: Urban Outfitters

pictures by Brian Cavanaugh

I love layers during the winter...even doubling up on jackets. Love wearing a light jacket under my coat as a layering piece like this leopard print jacket. It's something that I can keep on while at work or out at brunch and use as a statement piece for my look. Also, doubling up on jacket on a cold day is a perfect way to stay warm and cozy.

How do you layer up?

December 19, 2014

Gift Ideas: DIY Tea Gift Box and Coffee Box Sets

When it comes to office gifts I love doing more personal touches such as DIY gift. Not only is it more personal to do a DIY gift but cost effective too. These past couple of years I did little gift sets for my co-workers; a Hot Chocolate Mason Jar Kit (see here) and S'more Kit (see here). This year I decided to put together some tea and coffee gift box sets. This was super fun to do and easy to get all the supplies

Tea Gift Box Set:


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What You'll Need
- Christmas gift box (from Lot For Less can also find in Target. find here)
- Tea Mug (from Lot For Less, Target has really cheap and cute ones. Find here)
- Mix box of teas (bought two boxes of Twinnings mix boxes 20ct)
- Cookies or Biscottis 
- Paper shreds (bought at Paper Source find shredded paper)
- Saran Wrap
- Seasonal Twine (bought at Paper Source find here)
- Christmas Tags (bought at Paper Source find here)

Step 1. Fill bottom of the box with paper shreds.
Step 2. Arrange your mug and teas into box.
Step 3. Wrap your cookies and biscottis in saran wrap to keep them fresh. I had did two of each kind of cookies. 
Step 4. Place cookies into box.
Step 5. Close the lip. Instead of using the twin to go all the way over the box twice I made it long enough to go over the box once and then over the top to tie the Christmas tag in place. Then I was able to tape the twine to the bottom of the box.

This the perfect little gift to give someone that you know is a tea drinker. You can personalize it with candy that you know they like or even a funny little mug that they will appreciate. You can even do loose teas and put in a tea infuser. Since I was making multiple ones of these I found it easier to just keep it simple.

Coffee Gift Box Set: 


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What You'll Need
- Christmas lid gift box (from Lot For Less can also find in Target. find here)
- Coffee Mug (from Lot For Less, Target has really cheap and cute ones. Find here)
- bag of coffee (bought mine from Honolulu Coffee Company) 
- Cookies or Biscottis 
- Paper shreds (bought at Paper Source find shredded paper)
- Saran Wrap
- Seasonal Twine (bought at Paper Source find here)
- Christmas Tags (bought at Paper Source find here)

Step 1. Fill bottom of the box with paper shreds.
Step 2. Arrange your mug and coffee bag/
Step 3. Wrap your cookies and biscottis in saran wrap to keep them fresh. I had did two of each kind of cookies. 
Step 4. Place cookies into box.
Step 5. Close the lip. Instead of using the twin to go all the way over the box twice I made it long enough to go over the box once and then over the top to tie the Christmas tag in place. Then I was able to tape the twine to the bottom of the box.

Know a coffee drinker? This is perfect for the caffeine addicted. If you know they use K-Cups buy a variety pack or if you know their favorite coffee buy them a bag of that. You can even add in a french press or a giftcard to Starbucks (or any other coffee shop that they like). 

Are you doing any DIY Christmas gifts this year? 

December 17, 2014

How to Wear All Black and Not Look Basic

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As a New Yorker, I think it's in our DNA to gravitate towards all black looks. Black is a stable in my wardrobe. It's simple, chic, and timeless. An all black look is basic but doesn't have to look it. With key mixes you can take an all black look from boring to interesting.

How I Wore It:


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Jacket: William Rast c/o Lord & Taylors and FashionIndie | Top: Gap | Jeans: c/o Vigoss | Boots: Aldo (old)
Scarf: NYC Vendor | Bag: Coach | Sunglasses: Tobi.com

1. Mixing Materials. Have fun with mixing materials and textures. Use pants like wax jeans, like these Vigoss jeans, or leather pants and pair it up with sueded boots. Try boots that are either knee high or over the knee. Mixing textures can give the look dimension.

2. Statement Coat. Use your coat to make your outfit pop. Pick a coat that is patterned or colorful.

3. Mixing Prints. I love using accessories to mix in prints with a look. Scarves are a great way to add color and prints to this look. Especially when you can wear the scarf with just your overall look.

How do you wear all black looks?

December 15, 2014

Holiday Gift of Giveaways: Get Healthy Skin for the New Year with Pur Minerals

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Ever since I met Pur Minerals at NYFW Spring 2014 at the Birchbox lounge I have been obsessed with their products. My face is fickle when it comes to face creams and products, but Pur Minerals doesn't leave my skin irritated. Pur Minerals is a beauty company that is 100% cruelty free, no animal testing, and is eco-friendly. They are a innovative brand that doesn't just believe in covering skin imperfections but also helping correct it's over all appearance. Let Pur Minerals help you start off the New Year right with a fresh face! One lucky reader will win a prize pack of all my favorite Pur Mineral products which include: Dirty Girl Detoxifying Mudd Masque, Soak It Up Intense Hydration Moisturizer, Miracle Mist Hydrate & Set, and 4-in-1 Liquid Foundation. See how I use these products and enter to win your own set!

Dirty Girl

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Dirty Girl was one of the first products I was introduced to by Pur Minerals. At the Birchbox lounge they should me just how Dirty Girl worked on my hand alone, I completely saw a difference in color right after the removal of the masque. I've never been a huge fan of masque since my skin can have a freak out from it. Dirty Girl is effective and safe for unclogging pores, exfoliating the skin, and eliminates excess oil, dirt, and impurities all without leaving your skin dry and irritated. I love using this masque at least once a month to do a deep cleaning of my face. This is also a fun product to have at a girls night in. The night before my wedding my bridesmaids and I popped some bubbly, watched the movie Bridesmaids, and did a Dirty Girl masque. It was the one thing I knew would leave my skin refreshed for the big day!

Soak It Up


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Winter dries my skin up like no other. Between the heat in our apartment and the harass winter conditions outside my face takes a beating. Soak It Up Intense Hydration Moisturizer is unlike anything I have ever used. It looks and feels a little like goo but it feels so amazing once you put it on your face. I love using this product after a shower and/or right before bed. It replenishes the moisture that has been drained from the day. If my skin is feeling extra dry in the morning I use this before applying make-up.

Miracle Mist Hydrate & Set

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I've never used a hydration or setting mist before owning the Pur Minerals Miracle Mist,. This has forever changed my skin care game. Since it's always about a thousand degrees in our apartment during the winter (when renting an apt in NYC you do not have control over your own heat), I wake up and my face just feels hot and looks a little flush. I like to use the Miracle Mist to cool down my skin before applying make up. This mist instantly feels cooling, soothing, and removes the flush look from my cheeks. To use as a make-up setter spray on after make-up application. This will set your make-up for a full day of running around or a night out on the town.

4-in-1 Liquid Foundation


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I've always found foundation to be too heavy on my skin. Whenever I applied it I felt like I was caked up in make-up. Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Liquid Foundation is the opposite of just that. It feels light on the skin and doesn't appear like you have a mask on. This foundation is also made to last all day so no touch ups are needed. You can go from work to cocktails without having to worry about reapplying. Also unlike most foundations the 4-in-1 is made to keep your skin moisturized by using a super-hydrating Ceretin Complex. Apply your liquid foundation with a liquid chisel brush like this one from Pur Minerals will help you get a flawless even look.

Enter to win all of these products: Dirty Girl Detoxifying Mudd MasqueSoak It Up Intense Hydration Moisturizer, Miracle Mist Hydrate & Set, and 4-in-1 Liquid Foundation! One lucky reader will be chosen. No purchase necessary. Contest ends Sunday 12/21 at Midnight.


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a Rafflecopter giveaway



What is your daily skin routine?

December 12, 2014

Holiday Dressing: How to Wear Sequin Leggings Two Ways

I've wanted a pair of sequin leggings FOREVER, but the price was always to high when it came to how many times I would actually wear them. Thanks to Aerie for finally letting me get my hands on a pair! These bad boys are only $44.95 (buy here) and are perfect to wear for the Holiday Season. You can pair them up for a casual Holiday Party or for a New Years Eve party!

Casual Holiday Party


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Blazer: c/o Wallis | Shirt: Ripcurl | Leggings: c/o Aerie | Shoes: Shoemint | Bag: Coach 

Pair up your ugly sweater or a fun Holiday graphic tee with a pair of sequin leggings. Add metallic heel to balance the casual look and dressy look. I will be wearing this fun casual party look to my husband's office party. I decided to add a blazer for an extra touch of dressiness, plus it's winter so an extra layer doesn't hurt. I picked up this Rip Curl top while in Hawaii and just knew that this was going to be my go to Holiday shirt this year.

New Years Eve


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Jacket: Calvin Klein | Shirt: H&M | Leggings: c/o Aerie | Shoes: Kate Spade from DSW | Headband: Aldo
Clutch: Anthropologie 

I've always been a dress/skirt girl for NYE, but sequins is made for New Years Eve. These leggings are super comfortable so they are perfect to either get your groove on in or your lounge on. This year we are heading to our friends place for a NYE party. I love that these pants are flashy but casual ...and I love any opportunity to play dress up. To dress up the look pair it with a champagne top and a bit of sparkle like these Kate Spade pumps.

How would you wear sequin leggings?
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