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Monthly Archives: October 2017

Book Club Monday

I think we all need some inspiration from time to time.  And who better to send it to us but Oprah!!!  Her new book, The Wisdom of Sundays: Life-changing Insights From Super Soul Conversations is full of Aha moments, inspirations and gorgeous photos.  I saw this book today at a friend’s b-day lunch.  I thought it was such a brilliant gift.  I had to share it with you.  Here is the synopsis from Amazon:

Oprah Winfrey says Super Soul Sunday is the television show she was born to do. “I see it as an offering,” she explains. “If you want to be more fully present and live your life with a wide-open heart, this is the place to come to.”
Now, for the first time, the aha moments of inspiration and soul-expanding insight that have enlightened millions on the three-time Emmy Award-winning Super Soul Sunday are collected in The Wisdom of Sundays, a beautiful, cherishable, deeply-affecting book. 
Organized into ten chapters―each one representing a powerful step in Oprah’s own spiritual journey and introduced with an intimate, personal essay by Oprah herself―the Wisdom of Sundays features selections from the most meaningful conversations between Oprah and some of today’s most-admired thought-leaders. Visionaries like Tony Robbins, Arianna Huffington, and Shonda Rhimes share their lessons in finding purpose through mindfulness and intention. World renowned authors and teachers like Eckhart Tolle, Thich Nhat Hahn, Marianne Williamson and Wayne Dyer, explain our complex relationship with the ego and the healing powers of love and connection; and award-winning and bestselling writers like Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Elizabeth Lesser explore the beauty of forgiveness and spirituality. 
Paired with beautiful photographs, including many from Oprah’s private property in California where each episode of Super Soul Sunday is filmed, The Wisdom of Sundayspromises to be a timeless keepsake that will help readers awaken to life’s wondrous possibilities and discover a deeper connection to the natural world around them.

For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.


Holiday Blog Sale

I am so excited for this year’s holiday blog sale.  I have curated this year’s selection working with an Italian fur maker to bring you new unique and fashionable designs.  I love the ostrich fur wraps and Navy is a new color.  The wraps this year are 100% cashmere.  The prices are wholesale offered directly from the company to YOU.  And there are 3 different price points.  All the information is below and to order a wrap or poncho email me HERE.  These make awesome Christmas gifts. And are a perfect alternative, to a heavy coat, for you to wear to all your day and nighttime holiday events!!!!  

This wrap is 100% cashmere with fox fur.  The wholesale price is $275

Another color way of the 100% cashmere and fox fur wrap.  $275 wholesale!!
These next two are my favorite.  100% cashmere with ostrich feathers!  $150

Navy Blue 100% Cashmere with ostrich feathers!  $150

100% Paisley Cashmere wrap with fox fur.  This is incredible….$250
Black Mink poncho $325 – My Favorite!!!

Brown Mink Poncho $325

Penny Pincher

One of my favorite stores is the Penny Pincher in Bedford Hills.  It really is the best consignment store in this area. Penny Pincher is a women’s luxury designer boutique specializing in designer brands; shoes, handbags, clothing, jewelry and home furnishing. Lucky for me, the Penny Pincher has also been a blog sponsor for 2 years in a row.  Also lucky for me, is that they have an amazing INSTAGRAM page to post new treasures daily!!!  There is a HUGE sale going on now until Sunday!!!  25%-75% Storewide!!!!!  See you there!!!

The designer shoe selection is incredible..

So are the handbags, that snake Gucci is my favorite!!!

Love this Fall Poncho and Chanel Combo

How AMAZING is this Gucci Poncho!!!  It is calling my name!
Love this too!!!

And this…love the flats!!!

This fur is adorable!!!

So many Birkins!!!

Santa, please put this under my tree!!!!

Bolognese Sauce Straight from Little Italy

When I was at the incredible Italian market Teitel Brothers on Arthur Ave, they offered to give me a recipe to post.  I was so excited and knew that I had to ask for an authentic Italian Bolognese (or meat) sauce recipe.  It is definitely one of my daughter’s favorite.  So I thought it would be awesome to be able to perfect it at home!!  Bon Appetit!!!!

image serious eats

1 cup celery chopped
1 cup carrots chopped
1 cup onions chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic
aprox. 1 pound each: ground beef, veal, pork
2 cans plum tomatoes
1 cup red wine
beef bouillon
salt
pepper
bay leaf
nutmeg
parsley for garnish


Sautee the celery, carrots, onions and garlic in extra virgin olive oil until brown.
Set aside.


Brown meat mixture.
Add vegetables.
Add red wine and tomatoes, bay leaf, pinch of salt, pepper, nutmeg and beef bouillon to taste.
Simmer on low for 1 1/2-2 hours




Arthur Ave

I am always asked about Arthur Ave,  Little Italy in the Bronx.  Where to shop? Where to eat? When to go?.  I do go there from time to time but I am in no way and expert on the area..so I knew I really needed to spend a day there to write this post. I asked my friend Sandra to come along and show me her favorite places.  Sandra is an amazing cook and she knows all the best places. Here is what I learned…NOW I feel I am an expert on the area (well almost!!!!!)   I am thinking we need to do a blog group shopping day before the holidays. Sandra and I went first thing on a Monday morning and there were no crowds, it was empty. I have also been on the weekend and parking is a little tougher and the stores are more crowded.  I would definitely plan your trip during the week, if possible, especially since the holidays are approaching.  

Casa Della Mozzarella
604 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458
This is THE place for Mozzarella.  I bought salted and it was incredible.  I also bought blue cheese stuffed olives and antipasto salad.  Both were fabulous!!!
Vincent’s Meat Market
 2374 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
I have been coming here for years.  I love the stuffed chicken breast.  It is great for family dinner or to serve at dinner parties.  The chicken is stuffed with spinach and cheese.  The steaks and lamb chops here are also incredible. They will vacuum seal your purchases so you can freeze them once you get home.
Cosenza’s Oyster Bar
 2374 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
The seafood is so fresh.  I loved the cooked shrimp here for shrimp cocktail.  Great oysters too!
Terranova Bakery
691 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458
Hands down the BEST bread.  It has won awards!!!  I bought a sliced loft of Italian bread and a large pizza bread (you have to try it).  My family went crazy for it!!!  They are having a slice every night with dinner.  They will also give you plastic bags to freeze your bread so it lasts longer.
Borgattis Ravoli and Egg Noodles
632 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458
The fresh pasta is amazing.  They say the Ravoli is the best in NY!!!!
Full Moon Pizza
 600 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458
My kids always want to stop here when we are in the area.  You HAVE to try this pizza.  
Teitel Brothers
2372 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
This was my first time here and I was in awe of everything.  From the selection of canned tomatoes to the Italian meats and specialty cheeses.  I bought a delicious gorgonzola cheese and a truffle Pecorino. AMAZING!!!  The people helping us were so incredible.  They let us taste EVERYTHING and even gave me a fab recipe for bolognese sauce that I will post tomorrow!!!
Mike’s Deli
2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
Mike’s Deli is NY famous.  Mike had a cook off with Bobby Flay for Eggplant Parmigiana and WON!!!!  I really need to go back and try it.  They have an amazing selection of sandwiches and many famous people and politicians stop at Mike’s for lunch.  I snapped a photo of Hillary’s favorite sandwich.  It sounds so good!!!!
Delillo Cafe
610 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458
Delillo’s has the best, fresh pastries and cakes.  Everything I have ever tried here is so good.  The cannolis and napoleons were the favorite so far!!
Prince Coffee House
2306 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
This place is incredible. It is a hip new addition to the neighborhood. The coffee selection is extensive with an international flare and people rave about the tres leche cake (baked daily).  They say overall the experience is “delicious”

As for restaurants, I have asked around to many people, that I know dine on Arthur Ave, and these are the two names that came up most often!!

Zero Otte Nove
2357 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
image NYT

Robertos
603 Crescent Ave, Bronx, NY 10458


Ruffle Blouses



OK. So my go to this fall has been the ruffle blouse.  It 
is such a great look.  It really dresses up an outfit.  I like 
wearing one with black flare ankle length pants, 
pointed flats and statement earrings.  I featured 
some of my favorites below.  Zara has some 
great options as well. Happy Shopping!!!

Ruffle Blouses