New Year's Day "Good Luck" Black Eyed Pea and Collard Greens Soup:

Dear Margaret,

I loovvve your NYE party look picks.. especially Kate the Great in her black cut out dress! I have a dress very similar but with leather detailing that I may wear if we go out.. otherwise I will be in my cashmere sweater and Uggs like you:)

The only tradition I follow associated with New Years is eating black eyed peas for good luck..even if you don't like them you better take a bite:) Here is my favorite healthy recipe I found at Whole Foods to make for New Years Day that is a crowd pleaser due to the savory ham and comfort of a warm soup.. not to mention chock full of nutrition. It's so easy and delicious and full of good luck:)

Black Eyed Pea and Collard Greens Soup:

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 pound cooked Black Forest ham or smoked turkey breast, cut into small cubes (optional)
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bunch collard greens, tough stems and ribs removed, leaves thinly sliced
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper to taste

Method: 

Carefully pick through peas to remove any debris or small stones and rinse well. Transfer to a large bowl, cover by 3 inches with water, cover and set aside at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight; drain and rinse well.

Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, ham and celery and cook until onion is translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Add peas and broth, bring to a boil and skim off and discard any foam on the surface. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until peas are tender, about 45 minutes. Add collard greens and carrots and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes more. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne and serve.

*Serve with toasted crusty bread and even a dollop of Greek yogurt if you like for creaminess and added protein.

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Kara

recipe/picture courtesy of www.wholefoodsmarket.com

My Favorite NYE Looks

Dear Kara,

Thanks for the cleansing recommendations. This time of the year is the pits when it comes to eating- everywhere you look there is food; so much temptation. What are your NYE plans? I am going to take it easy by hanging out with Michael and friends in the Hamptons. I love being out there this time of year; it is very calming. We will cook, build indoor and outdoor fires and long walks on the beach with the dogs. My NYE ensemble will include comfy cashmere instead of the usual party dress.

BUT I can't help live vicariously through my friends that are staying in the city and partying the night away. NYE is such a fun night to dress up for because anything goes. If you are going out then more than likely your night includes dancing so I recommend keeping it to shorter dresses or my favorite- jumpsuits so you aren't restricted.

Since there are few times that over-the-top encrusted sequin dresses don't look ridiculous, that tends to be my go to dress. I have a favorite neon pink sequin dress and a 1920's silver sequin dress I have worn in past NYE. Fergie, Blake and Rihanna have sported some in the past that I love!

Another option is the jumpsuit or pant look. Of course black is my favorite but I can't help but adore Stella's gold look. These looks keep stand out amongst the crowd because they aren't dresses! These looks are fun because you can really dress them up with statement shoes &/or accessories.

Lastly BUT not least, one of my favorite trends of the season- Peak-A-Boo dresses. Whether they lace up, have cutouts or sheer insets, these peak-a-boo dresses are all seductress. If your MO on NYE is to catch the eyes of that special someone, these dresses ooze sex appeal and won't dissapoint. What I also love about these looks, while sexy, they are very flattering because the lines of the dresses create an illusion and really flatter your figure. I love how Kate's makes her waist look extra tiny.

HAPPY NEW YEARS!
xoxoxoxo
Margaret

Quick Holiday De-bloat Plan + Detox Recipes: Just in Time For NYE-

Dear Margaret,

I hope you had a Merry Christmas! Your homemade apple cider post got me in the Christmas spirit too:) 

I don't know about you but I feel like a bloated little piglet after these past few days of celebration.. which means time to cut back a little and add some natural diuretics into my diet before trying to squeeze into a little New Years Eve dress:) I don't believe in extremes or deprivation, which always end up backfiring. I've found (through much trial, error, and struggles) that the best way is incorporating balance into your lifestyle for optimal well being and overall enjoyment. Therefore, here are some of my suggestions to quickly detox/de-bloat before NYE without any major lifestyle changes (I will never give up my morning coffee):

*Bumping up exercise and eliminating added sodium also help speed up the process...

Add these foods to your diet for a couple of days:

-peppermint tea, green tea, and ginger tea (drink your preference all throughout the day)

-Greek yogurt and fruits (I prefer Fage 2% Greek yogurt)

-asparagus

-cucumber

-watercress

-artichokes

-parsley

-fresh lemon (add to water, teas, and on salads)

-fresh ginger

..and here are a couple detox/de-bloat recipes for lunches and dinners:

Detox Salad:

-chop up watercress, cucumber, asparagus, and artichokes.. drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon. Can add organic chicken, tuna, hard boiled egg, or eat with yogurt for protein!

Ginger Carrot Detox Soup: (recipe courtesy of fitsugar.com)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped sweet onion
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced peeled ginger
2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
1 medium russet potato, peeled and chopped
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 1/3 cups plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Combine the olive oil and onion in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, 10 minutes, until just starting to caramelize.
2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes, being careful not to burn the mixture. Stir in the carrots, potato, and the chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the carrots and potato are very tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, in a small sauté pan over high heat, lightly toast the pine nuts. Set aside to cool.
4. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, honey, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
5. Puree the soup with an immersion blender until very smooth (or puree in a regular blender in batches). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and serve with a dollop of the yogurt mixture and some pine nuts.

xoxo,

Kara

picture courtesy of www.fitsugar.com

Getting In the Mood: Apple Cider

Dear Kara,

Love your last minute gift ideas! We gave the North Face Teddy Bear Fleece awhile back...to see a baby in that is too cute. My last minute gift stop today was Barnes and Noble; there is something there for everyone. I also had to get my hair and nails done. Then we made the apartment smell of Christmas by making apple cider. I love hot totties, they remind me of the holidays and they make the entire place smell of Christmas.

I kept missing the farmers' market apple cider stand so tonight we made our own. It couldn't be any easier and tastes yummy. I love that we will have it around for the festivities. It takes no time to make and about 30 minutes on the stove.

This recipe makes 8 cups....

Spiced Apple Cider

- 2 Quarts Apple Juice (Fresh Squeezed preferably)
-1 Teaspoon of all spice
-1 Teaspoon of cloves
-1/2 Teaspoon of nutmeg
-1/2 Teaspoon of ground cinnamon
-1/4 Teaspoon of ground ginger (if you like a kick a little more is fine)

Bring the apple juice to boil. Mix the spices in a cheese cloth and tie the ball up with string (If you don't have cheese cloth you can just strain the spices out when finished). With the cloves, the spice blend looks more like a fun potion...It makes me feel like I am making a witch's brew. After the apple juice is boiling bring to low and add the spices. Leave steeping for a half and hour (or more) with the top on the pan.

Serve with Rum, cinnamon stick &/or an apple slice.

Yum Yummmmy. (I am drinking a glass as I post)

XOXOXOXOOXOX
Merry Christmas!
-Margaret

Gangs all here! Cinnamon- sticks and ground, cloves, ginger, all spice and nutmeg.

The spices, then tied up ready for the cider.

The special ingredient, Rum. 

The finished product.

Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Ideas-

Dear Margaret,

Cabo was so fun! Now I have to rush to get my last minute gifts together before I leave for Texas.. so, I've put together my "last minute gift guide" for others that are in my boat:) Most of these gifts are guaranteed to arrive before Christmas from sites such as: Amazon.com (sign up for Amazon Prime and get free 2 day shipping), Zappos.com, and Shopbop.com, plus have free returns. They are mostly under $200, but all are under $300. I will definitely be using this guide...just click on the link and it will take you to the site! Enjoy!

xoxo,

Kara

Maestro Dobel Reposado Tequila- so smooth

The North Face Kids Plushee Fleece

Vagabond House Antler Steak Knives

Books with Style-Kate Moss

Tea For Two Set

Southwest Airlines Gift Card

Khataland Travel Yoga Mat

New Braunfels Smokehouse Smoked Meat and Cheese Sampler

Pittman&Davis Grapefruit-BEST EVER!

UGG Kids Bixbee Infant Booties

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Robes

Minnetonka Fringe Booties for kids

Diptyque Baies Candle

Missoni Shimmer Scarf

Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speakers

Brookstone Massaging Bed Rest

Hunter Original Boots

Ray-Ban Aviator

UGG Slippers Byron

Tory Burch Travel Jewelry Case

Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Tear Drop Earrings

Christmas Wish Lists....

Dear Kara,

Safe travels to Cabo! I am jealous. The reality has hit that Christmas is 15 days away and it is time to get cracking. Up until then I am supplying creative gift ideas. Living in NYC, with no space to spare, I tend to be anti-object gifts because there just isn't room. I feel bad every time I move because SO much gets tossed. On that note I am very pro-practical gifts. I also like the idea of gifts that keep giving. Merging those ideas together here are my picks for "Gift of the Month"... Within these there is something for everyone.

1. For Bacon Obsessed....."Bacon of the Month" from the South Carolina butcher, Ted's. Packages start at 3 months for $78. I know plenty of armature chefs that would find this gift as a sweet slice of heaven.
http://www.tedsbutcherblock.com/news/press/show/20

2. For the Beauty Queen..."Birchbox" This monthly cosmetic service sends delightful samples and full size products each moth. I was gifted this a few years ago and loved it! It is so fun to try new products and if you like them they sell them online. They have a great selection and diversity of brands from Kerastase, Nars and boutique brands that are hard to find. (Starting at $10/month!)
http://www.birchbox.com

3. For the Hostess..."Pair of the Month Club" NYC favorite, Murray's, offers a cheese of the month or my favorite, pair of the month, where they send you half a pound of cheese with an accompaniment. I think this idea is perfect for the ever hostess. I love that this one takes the confusion out of what to serve with the cheese. Plus their cheese is DELISH! Oprah lists it as one of her must-haves!
http://www.murrayscheese.com/monthly-clubs/pair-of-the-month-club.html

4. For the fruit lover... "Fruit of the month" from Harry and David. Harry and David has tons of different fruit options and is known for the fruit. I have received and given this gift before and everything was delish and comes beautifully packaged.
http://www.harryanddavid.com/h/monthly-fruit-clubs

5. For the coffee lover..."Artisanal Coffee of the Month" from NYC favorite, Dean & Deluca. Their coffee is always yummy and a fun gift for college students, teachers, or the caffeine obsessed in your life.
http://www.deandeluca.com/coffee-tea-cocoa/coffee-by-type/artisan-coffee-of-the-month.aspx

Crazy Addictive Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

Dear Margaret,

I LOVE Bergdorf's at Christmas time.. and NYC in general! Thank you for sharing!

I also love Brussels sprouts:) but is seems like every restaurant wants to deep fry them or smother in oil and bacon... so I started making them in a healthy way at home.. and can't seem to stop. Even Ryan likes them, which was definitely pushing it. They are so easy and cook very quickly... plus you can mix it up by adding different veggies to roast with them.. I added cauliflower last time... nice touch. Choose Brussels sprouts on the stalk whenever possible and look for bright, firm, and compact heads. The buds are exceptionally rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which work wonders to get rid of many health troubles! Here's what you do:

Crazy Addictive Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

-Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

-Remove the sprouts from the stalk, cut away the stems, and wash thoroughly. Cut the sprouts in half, lengthwise. Put in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, garlic salt or garlic powder (I use Miracle Blend), cracked black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can adjust amounts to your liking... I even add crushed red pepper sometimes. Mix all together.

-Spray shallow baking dish with cooking spray and place sprouts in dish with cut-side up.

-Bake for 15-20 minutes (to desired "charred-ness"), tossing after first 10 minutes.

ADDICTIVE

XOXO,

Kara

Christmas Time! Bergdorf's Windows:

Dear Kara,

I love the vintage treasures you found!!!!! So pretty.

This time of year is so fun but SO terribly crazy. I love all the Christmas decorations in the city and especially love Bergdorf's windows. This year they have a nice Great Gatsby twist. I also love the incorporation of animals, particularly the animal horns. The last pic is my favorite, how great are those  horns?!!! I know how much you love Christmas and love Berdorf's windows.

Enjoy!!!!

XOXOXOXOXO
Margaret