Neon Toes

I've heard of twinkles toes, but a shoe that looks like you've dipped your toes in a puddle of neon paint? Incredible. I love the balance between the muted, neutral linen body and the shocking hot pink toe. They're the perfect spring into summer segue piece.

(Kate Spade, $198)

I'll Be Missing You

I've posted about Mashup Germany's work before, but he continuously produces so many masterpieces checking for new releases is a necessity. I'm currently obsessed (ie. listening to on repeat an absurd number of times) with "I'll be Missing You (Don't Raise Your Glass)".

Mashup-Germany - I'll be Missing You (Don't Raise Your Glass) by MashupGermany

Included are snippets of:
Pink - "Raise Your Glass"
Mike Posner - "Please Don't Go"
Puff Daddy feat. Faith Evans - "I'll be missing you"
Le Chic - "Freak Out"
Kelly Clarkson - "Since You've Been Gone"
Tracy Chapman - "Talking about a Revolution"
Sportfreunde Stiller - "Wunderbaren Jahren (Live)"
Daft Punk - "Around the World"
Snow Patrol - "Open Your Eyes"
The Black Eyed Peas - "I Gotta Feeling"

Talk about a variety. Happy listening!

Typography

When I was in middle school, I discovered the joys of Photoshop and it's more simple cousin, Paintshop Pro. I would spend hours messing around with the design tools, trying to keep my mouse steady enough to create something besides a pixelated, rough mess. Of course, I'm far from becoming a graphic designer, but I have a greater appreciation for digital designs as a result. When I came across this typography work, I was instantly floored. I love the creative merge of a functional object (a recipe) and and art. The 70s concert poster vibe is rather charming as well.

I think this would be a cheeky decoration for a kitchen, even if it's far easier to read the recipe off the back of a bag of chocolate chips...

Image via DeviantArt

The Perfect Trench

 

Is there anything more chic than sipping your morning cup of tea or latte at an outdoor cafe while decked out in a trench coat? When it comes to trench coats Burberry is the quintessential brand. However, as such a coat remains a purely aspirational addition to my closet, I love my London Fog version. It's amazing how throwing a trench over the simplest of ensembles (skinny jeans and a tee, a floral dress, etc.) instantly adds a bit of glamor.

(London Fog, $100)

And, should an errant springtime thunderstorm err your way, you're perfectly protected from the elements. What's not to love?

Image via weheartit

Pancake Day

Depending where you're presently located, today has a number of names: Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday. But my absolute favorite comes from the UK where Pancake Day is celebrated. Traditionally, the Brits mark the last day before Lent by indulging in rich foods, specifically the milk, eggs, and butter found in pancakes. While in the states, pancakes are usually topped with syrup and fruit, the Brits prefer lemon and sugar.

Pancake Day Pancakes (Adapted from BBC Food)

Ingredients
1 cup plain flour, sifted
Pinch of salt
2 eggs
1 scant cup milk mixed with 1/3 cup water
1/4 cup butter
Caster sugar
Lemon juice
Lemon wedges

Directions
1. Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl with a sieve held high above the bowl so the flour gets an airing. Make a well in the  flour and break the eggs into it. Begin whisking the eggs, incorporating any bits of flour from around the edge of the bowl as you do so.
2. Gradually add small quantities of the milk and water mixture and continue to whisk (don't forget to scrape down the bowl). Melt the butter and add 2 tbsp to the batter. The remaining butter will be used to grease the frying pan.
3. Warm the pan on high heat, then turn the heat down to medium. Spoon 2 tbsp of batter into the pan and quickly tip the pan from side to side to get the base evenly coated with batter. The pancakes will cook quickly, so flip when the edges appear browned when lifted with a fork (about 30 seconds). Flip the pancake over, the other side will need a few seconds only, then slide onto a plate.
4. To serve, sprinkle each pancake with freshly squeezed lemon juice and caster sugar, fold in half, then in half again to form triangles, or you can roll them up. Serve sprinkled with a little more sugar and lemon juice and extra sections of lemon.

Happy Pancake Day!

Image via BBC Food

French Toast

How to make a Monday more bearable? Why, starting with a delicious breakfast. Trust me, it's completely worth waking up an extra half hour early. I know Sunday is traditionally the morning of large, lazy brunches, but there's no better way to jump back into the week than fueled with a tasty mix of fruit and carbs. Since Lent begins this week, why not start the week with a breakfast appropriate last hurrah to sweets? May I present, chocolate french toast.

Chocolate French Toast (via Cooking Cache)
Ingredients

3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of salt
12 slices day old bread, crusts removed
3 milk chocolate candy bars* (1.55 ounces each), halved
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
confectioner's sugar


Directions
1. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Pour half into an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange six slices of bread in a single layer over egg mixture. Place one piece of chocolate in the center of each piece of bread. Top with remaining bread; pour remaining egg mixture over all. Let stand for 5 minutes. 3. In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Fry sandwiches until golden brown on both sides. Dust with confectioner's sugar. Cut sandwiches diagonally; serve warm. 

Image via Jenny Jones

Mary's Scarves

About a week ago, I wrote about Mary Katrantzou's A/W 2011 collection. Of course, like most other items shown on London Fashion Week's runways, her collection is significantly out of my price range. With this in mind, my delight at hearing that Mary Katrantzou had designed two silk scarves for Topshop hardly needs explanation.

(Topshop, $100)

(Topshop, $100)

I'm glad to see Mary Katrantzou's gorgeous prints splashed across as many mediums as possible. Factor in the high street prices, and I'm sold.