Lily Lemontree

Links for a Life Well Lived-01/28

2012-01-28T07:46:00.001-05:00

The weekend couldn't have come soon enough!

Physical exhaustion after the extended holiday marathon, horribly grey and cold days this week and of course the realization that there are still at least 2 months left of winter and you can imagine the state I was in this afternoon.

Truth be told, I had even forgotten that it was Friday (not quite sure what day I thought it was for most of the afternoon!)

That was, until my husband came in after work with his 'end of the week' bouquet of fresh flowers for yours truly! Yes my friends, for the last 10 years my adorable significant other has never let a Friday go by without greeting the weekend, and me, with a shot of flowery delight.
One sniff of the charming posies and I shook off the January blahs in an instant!

Three cheers for the weekend!!

Planning my Sunday morning breakfast around these Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts ~ The Novice Chef

Wise words from the one and only Ines de la Fressange ~ Into The Gloss

Treat your Super Bowlers with these football brownies ~ The Party Dress

The ABC's of going 'au naturale' ~ Mrs. Lilien

A peek into Jennifer Aniston's new Bel Air home! ~ Hooked on Houses

The Lovely Ones: Charlene, Princess of Monaco

2012-01-25T07:23:00.001-05:00

(Charlene Lynette Wittstock)

Did you know....

1. She was born on January 25, 1978 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

2. She was a member of the women's 4x100 medley South African swim team at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

3. She married the reigning Prince Albert of Monaco on July 1, 2011 and became Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, a title last held by her late mother-in-law, Princess Grace.

4. In 2011, she became the global ambassador for the Special Olympics.
5. She was named on Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List in 2011.

Chic this Week: Best in Show for January 15-21, 2012

2012-01-23T01:41:00.000-05:00

Who is your choice for best dressed?

Don't forget to scroll below and vote!

Viola Davis

In Herve L. Leroux

At 2012 Producers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills, California

Kate Bosworth

In Antonio Berardi

(pumps by Casadei, clutch by JewelMint)

At 'Black Rock' premiere at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah

Charlize Theron

In Stella McCartney
(clutch by Bottega Veneta)

At the BAFTA Annual Awards Season Tea Party in Beverly Hills, California

Jessica Alba

In Chanel

(jewellery by Chanel)

At the Chanel “Numeros Prives” exhibition opening night at Wynn Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada

Kyra Sedgwick

In Reed Krakoff

(clutch and sandals by Reed Krakoff)

At the 'Man On A Ledge' premiere in NYC, New York

Ali Larter

In Valentino
(peep-toes by Christian Louboutin)

At W Magazine's 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Celebration in Los Angeles, California

Ellie Kemper

In Martin Kemp

At the 2012 Producers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills, California

Michelle Williams

In Victoria Beckham

At the BAFTA Annual Awards Season Tea Party In Beverly Hills, California

Emmy Rossum
In Georges Hobeika
(pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo, earrings by Chopard)
At W Magazine's 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Celebration in Los Angeles, California

The Lovely Ones: Ines de la Fressange

2012-01-21T07:44:00.004-05:00

Inès Marie Lætitia Églantine Isaelle de Seignard de La Fressange

Did you know...

1. She is best friends with Princess Caroline of Monaco

2. In the 1980's she was muse to Karl Lagerfeld

3. Grew up in an 18th century mill outside of Paris

4. Is of French and Argentinian descent

5. Was named to Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed List (Hall of Fame) in 1998

In the Charming Kitchen: Paula Deen's Southern Deviled Eggs

2012-01-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

Today's post was already scheduled for this week but was updated yesterday to include a little personal rant that hopefully you won't mind too much!

Why in the world has everyone pounced on Paula Deen all of a sudden?? Fans and detractors alike have torn into the southern lady like bees on honey and I am not sure why. Is it because we didn't know that all those foods Ms. Deen is famous for might not be the meals to base an entire diet on? Or is it that we have mistaken her for our doctors and our self-regulating instincts instead of who she is, a chef and an entertainer.
As an occasional viewer of her program, I am almost positive that she never once uttered the words 'eat like this morning, noon and night and you will be as healthy as a horse and live forever'. I have heard it said that 'she is on television and therefore is a role model for the people who watch her and emulate her, she is basically killing her viewers with her recipes'. Funny though that we seem to have so much less to say about the Snooki's, the Housewives of Whatever County and the rest of that ilk, who are also on television and their damaging roles in shaping our society but let's lash out at the lady who slips some extra butter into her biscuits.
No my friends, if we have anyone to blame for what befalls our health and well-being, it is ourselves and no one else. I believe that the key to good health and a life well lived, especially when we are talking culinary delights, is very simple- everything in balance and moderation. Let's take ownership and responsibility of our own bodies and stop blaming everyone else for what happens to us.

Okay I'm done, personal rant over.

Below is one of my go-to recipes for any get-together and they are definitely on tap for a little cocktail party I have planned for the weekend.

Simple to make and perfect to serve while your guests are mingling, deviled eggs are just the touch of retro any soiree could use!

Paula Deen's Southern Deviled Eggs

7 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Salt and pepper, for taste

Paprika, for garnishing

Sweet gherkin pickles sliced, for garnishing

Pimentos, for garnishing

Halve 7 eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small bowl.

Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Fill egg whites evenly with yolk mixture. Garnish with paprika, pickles and pimentos. Store covered in refrigerator.

recipe via Paula Deen

What She Said.....Ida Scott Taylor

2012-01-18T07:44:00.002-05:00

“Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone;

and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.”

Ida Scott Taylor

Chic this Week: Best in Show for January 8-14, 2012

2012-01-15T01:39:00.005-05:00

Who is your choice for best dressed this week?

Don't forget to scroll down and vote!

Emmy Rossum

In Ralph Lauren

(clutch and vintage jewellery by Ralph Lauren, strappy sandals by Jesilla)

At the 'Shameless' season 2 premiere in Los Angeles, California

Viola Davis
In Ports 1961
(clutch by Kara Ross, peep-toe pumps by Shana Davis, cuff by Alexis Bittar)
At the Golden Globes Week 2012 Kick Off party in

Michelle Williams
In Versace
At the InStyle Golden Globes event in Beverly Hills, California

Emily Blunt

In Marios Schwab

(clutch by Marchesa, jewellery by Dana Rebecca Designs, heels by Christian Louboutin)

At the 'Salmon Fishing In The Yemen' premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in Palm Springs, California

Ginnifer Goodwin
In Roksanda Illincic
(heels by Jimmy Choo, earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels)
At the 2012 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California

Charlize Theron

In Reed Krakoff
(strappy sandals by Christian Louboutin, clutch by Lanvin)

At the Palm Springs International Film Festival 'Indie Impact Award Brunch' in Palm Springs, California

Julie Bowen
In Naeem Khan
At the Audi And Martin Katz Kick Off Golden Globes Week 2012 in Hollywood, California

Jayma Mays
In Burberry Prorsum
(clutch by Ruthie Davis, strappy sandals by Burberry Prorsum)
At the 2012 Winter TCA Fox All Star Party

Claire Danes
In Donna Karan
(earrings by Pomellato)
At the 2012 AFI Awards in Los Angeles, California

Jennifer Morrison

In Bill Blass

At the TCA Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California

The Lovely Ones: Sophia Loren

2012-01-14T00:14:00.012-05:00

Sophia Loren

(Sofia Villani Scicolone)

Style at the 2012 Critics' Choice Awards

2012-01-13T07:28:00.002-05:00

Who is your pick for best dressed at the 17th Annual Critics Choice Awards?

Berenice Bejo

In Elie Saab

Emma Stone

In Jason Wu

Elle Fanning

In Rodarte

Busy Phillips
In Antonio Berardi

Tilda Swinton

In Yves St. Laurent

Diane Kruger

In Prada

Jessica Chastain

In Balenciaga

Kirsten Dunst

In Christian Dior

Viola Davis

In Raoul

Shailene Woodley

In Calvin Klein

Evan Rachel Wood

In Valentino

(my personal favorite!)

Michelle Williams

In Chanel

Charlize Theron

In Azzedine Alaia

Melissa McCarthy

In David Meister

Elizabeth Olsen

In Pucci

Chloe Moretz

In Chanel

Let's Celebrate: A Belated National Hot Toddy Day!

2012-01-12T07:33:00.026-05:00

Yesterday was National Hot Toddy Day and while we had every intention of celebrating the day with a proper post, Blogger had other ideas. As of Tuesday morning, all of the blogs images (and I mean ALL!) had disappeared and the posts that were scheduled for this week joined them in a virtual abyss.

We are hot on the trail of our images and while many have been restored, there is a slew of pics (over 1000 to go!) that we must replace. You can understand why we just couldn't bring ourselves to entertain such a fun celebration yesterday.

But today is another day and it must be started properly!

To celebrate a belated National Hot Toddy Day, brew up your favorite version of the hot toddy, which happens to originally hail from Scotland (via India) and toast the day!

There are a slew of variations to the original hot toddy recipe including those with tea, coffee, cocoa and cider but I can never get enough of this bourbon infused delight which never leaves my side when I need a little heat!

Let's mix up one of these lovelies and enjoy!

Kentucky Toddy

1-1/2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon

1 slice lemon

1 lump sugar

4 ounces boiling water

ground nutmeg

ground cloves

cinnamon stick

Combine bourbon, lemon, sugar and boiling water in a mug.

Sprinkle with nutmeg and cloves; stir with cinnamon stick.

The Lovely Ones: Anita Ekberg

2012-01-07T07:45:00.001-05:00

Anita Ekberg

(Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg)

A Life Well Lived in January

2012-01-05T07:41:00.009-05:00

1. Enjoy all the outdoor wonders that winter has to offer (and work off the holiday pudge!) by sharpening up the figure skates and heading to your local rink or community centre for a few figure eights!

2. Winter hibernation is the perfect excuse to lay low and nestle into your favorite spot with a good book like Rules of Civility: A Novel or The Secret Lives of Dresses

3. With Christmas lights packed away for another year and the sun starting to set just before most of us leave from work, it's easy to find your home dark and dreary this month. Brighten up the dark spots in your home with bright white Calla Lilies, one of the official flowers for the month.

4. No need to forsake your chic self just to fight off winter's frigid grip! A warm sweater in a cheery color and a comfy pair of boyfriend jeans gets taken to the next level with fab accessories!

(Ralph Lauren Black Label Cashmere sweater, Sorel 'Joan of Arctic' snow boots, Topshop Cable beanie, ribbed fingerless gloves)

5. Nothing warms the body and soul like a kitchen buzzing with fudgey goodness! Lift your New Year's ban on sweet treats and spend the afternoon whipping up a batch of good old fashioned fudge with this simply delicious recipe.

6. It's never too late to say thank you but if you haven't already, you are coming pretty close! Gather up your 'appreciation' essentials (address lists, stamps, some pretty cards/stationery) and spend an afternoon saying thanks to anyone who made your holiday season extra special. Let your Aunt Becky know just how much you loved your Christmas/Hanukkah present or express your appreciation for a fabulous evening to your New Year's Eve hostess.

7. Winter's cold temperatures and dry air wreak havoc on your skin, especially your hands. Take the time every week to treat yourself to a soothing manicure (at home or at the salon) and while your at it, don't forget those tender tootsies. Feet get the raw end of the deal during the winter months, being hidden away in woollen socks and heavy snow boots, often left to their own devices until flip-flop season starts to rear its head. Treat them with a luxuriant moisturizer and brighten the toes with a deliciously bright polish!

The Cocktail Hour: Mexican Hot Chocolate

2012-01-04T07:47:00.004-05:00

A bit of a cold snap has blown through southern Ontario (to put it mildly!). They say it is just passing through but I will believe it when I see it and feel it! Until then I will keep myself toasty warm curled up by the fire with a trusty pair of softer than silk cashmere socks, a luxurious faux fur throw I happened to find under the Christmas tree last week and a mug of this kicked up hot chocolate sent straight from heaven!
Bring it on Mother Nature!

Mexican Hot Chocolate

2 cups reduced-fat evaporated milk

½ cup whole milk

½ cup chocolate liqueur

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup sugar

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa

1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ancho chile powder (plus a few pinches for garnish)

2 cinnamon sticks

1 dried red chile

2 ½ oz. bittersweet chocolate, in pieces (plus shavings for garnish)

¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Whipped cream, for garnish

Whisk both milks, liqueur, vanilla, sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and chile powder in a heavy saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks and chile, and heat until warm. Add chocolate, whisking until melted. Gently bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until liquid thickens and reduces slightly, whisking often, 10 minutes. Combine cream with remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon; beat until peaks form. Ladle cocoa into cups (avoiding the cinnamon sticks and whole chile!). Top with whipped cream; garnish with chile powder and shavings.

A Grand Welcome to 2012!

2012-01-01T01:27:00.001-05:00

Wishing all our friends and readers a very Happy New Year!!

What Would Lily Do: The Perfect New Year's Hostess Gift

2011-12-31T09:14:00.002-05:00

One can not go empty-handed when invited to a party, especially on a night as special as New Year's Eve. Your hostess has done her best to make your last night of the year as memorable as can be, it is only right to gift her with something that will make the morning after the grand shin-dig worth all the hard work she put into the evening!

This breakfast basket has become a signature hostess gift of mine for two reasons-it can be whipped up in a few easy steps and I have never come across a hostess who didn't have a smile stretching from ear to ear when she was on the receiving end of one of these babies!

image via Martha Stewart

A basket full of all the items she will need to ease into her first morning of the new year is an easy-peasy DIY gift that you can put together in a flash!

A quick trip to Michaels (or any local craft store) will start you off with your base, a quaint (and sturdy) basket that will house all your goodies.

Line the basket with a pretty tea towel or two. (Make sure the tea towel is large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the basket)

Now here is the fun part-fill your basket with all your favorite breakfast essentials for a sublime morning. Fine coffee, scones or english muffins, a selection of teas, sugar, milk/cream, gourmet pancake mix and of course, a delightful jam or marmalade to sweeten it all up!

1. Jacqueline's Rustic Scones 2. 'Jules and Sharpie' Hot Mmmarmalade

3. Highland Sugarworks Maple Syrup 4. 'Harney and Sons' Earl Grey Supreme

5. Starbucks House Blend Coffee Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks Pancake Mix

On The Cover: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at Harper's Bazaar UK

2011-12-30T11:33:00.002-05:00

We thought we would throw at little 'old Hollywood glam' at the second last day of 2011. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and her shoot for Harper's Bazaar UK (Jan 2012) just screams early 1960's California chic!

images via Harper's Bazaar UK

What He Said.....Roald Dahl

2011-12-28T18:22:00.000-05:00

"A person who has good thoughts can never be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely"

Roald Dahl
(1916-1990)

The Wishlist: Diane von Furstenberg 'Andie' dress

2011-12-28T12:15:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of the 'Little Black Dress' coming in to save the sartorial day especially when we find ourselves in doubt as to what to wear around the holidays. But what about a 'Little Red Dress' to ring in the New Year?!

This delightful frock from DvF caught my eye right away!

An attention-getter? Definitely, with its show-stopper silhouette, key-hole neckline and gorgeous twisted drape, but nothing wrong with that especially if one wants to start the year off on a fabulously right foot??!!

Find it here!

How do you greet the New Year? Dressed to the nines like the lady in red or bundled up to brace the cold temps??

And the Winner is!....(Restoration Hardware's Cashmere Hand Warmers)

2011-12-26T19:05:00.000-05:00

In my next life, I will set aside the day after Christmas to lounge around my boudoir with all my gifts picking and choosing what to admire next. In this life though, December 26th is the day I find myself knee deep in discarded wrapping paper and ribbons, stumbling over boxes of toys everywhere I turn!

While I am busy bringing order back to our home, I thought I would stop for a moment to announce the winner of our Restoration Hardware's Cashmere Hand Warmers' giveaway.

The lucky winner is Karen from FashionBoard Confessional!

Congratulations Karen!!

Please email us with your information and we will get your package on its way!!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T15:34:00.000-05:00

Wishing all our friends and readers a joyous Christmas full of blessings and happiness!!

The Cocktail Hour: Eggnog Cocktail

2011-12-23T10:38:00.001-05:00

The perfect little festive cocktail for this weekend, it combines two of my favorites, eggnog and bourbon!

The first time I came across this delight was at a holiday open house hosted by some friends of ours a few years back and it seems to have made its way on to our regular Christmas Eve repertoire. If there is one thing I look forward to after a long day of visiting and dropping off presents on Christmas Eve is coming home to curl up on the sofa and unwinding with one of these! We take the eggnog theme one step further by replacing the heavy cream with some actual eggnog which I prefer but below you will find the recipe in its original state.

Cheers!

Eggnog Cocktail

3 ounces bourbon

3 ounces white creme de cacao

6 tablespoons heavy cream (substitute with eggnog if you prefer)

1 tablespoon superfine sugar

ground nutmeg, for sprinkling

1.Place bourbon, creme de cacao, cream, and sugar into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until frosty. Strain mixture into glasses. Sprinkle surface of each with ground nutmeg.

via Martha Stewart

Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

Wishing all of our readers and friends who celebrate a very Happy Hanukkah!

May the Festival of Lights bring you many joyous blessings!

In the Charming Kitchen: Homemade Candy Cane Mints

2011-12-20T11:48:00.002-05:00

For a gal who is obsessed with fresh breath, I go through mints like no one's business! Can you imagine what my squeals sounded like when I came across this handmade candy cane 'altoids' recipe on a recent visit to Cheeky Kitchen!

Now if I can only find someone willing to walk around with hands stained the color of Rudolph's nose, I will be in fresh breath heaven all winter long!!

Handmade Candy Cane Mints

1 (1-pound) package of gum paste

15-20 drops high quality peppemint essential oil

1/4 teaspoon red food coloring paste

1/4 cup powdered sugar

10 small metal tins for wrapping

Open the gum paste and drop in 15-20 drops of peppermint oil. Knead the gum paste until the peppermint oil is well incorporated.

Split the gum paste in half, then drop a bit of red coloring onto one half and knead until coloring is fully mixed. (It's best to work on a piece of parchment paper or a cutting board to protect any surfaces from dye)

Split each mound of gum paste into two so that you now have 4 equal mounds of gum paste.

Roll into four thick ropes and then group them together, one red and one white on the bottom, one red and one white on top of the first layer, giving you a little checkerboard square.

Cut this roll in half and roll into two long, thinnish ropes.

Stop rolling when your ropes are about a 1/2 inch in diameter. Work quickly to keep the surface of the gum paste ropes from drying out and crumbling.

Using a very sharp knife, slice the ropes into 1/4" pieces. Since your gum paste should still be a little soft, you might get some pieces that have been squished out of shape during the cutting process, just press them back into little round mint shaped discs.

Place all pieces on a baking sheet and allow them to air dry for 48 hours before packaging them in tins.

recipe and all images via Cheeky Kitchen

Chic this Week: Best in Show for December 12-18, 2011

2011-12-18T07:18:00.001-05:00

Who is your pick for best dressed this week?

Don't forget to scroll down and vote!

Sandra Bullock
In Alexander McQueen
(platform pumps by Casadei)
At the 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' premiere in NYC, New York

Charlize Theron
In Stella McCartney
(mesh peep-toes by Manolo Blahnik, jewellery by Harry Winston)
At the 'Young Adult' premiere in Los Angeles, California

Hilary Swank
In Gucci
(necklace by Pomellato, heels and clutch by Gucci)
At the 'On A Clear Day You Can See Forever' opening night in NYC, New York

Brooklyn Decker
In Christian Dior
(lace-up stilettos by Loeffler Randal, clutch by Jimmy Choo, earrings by Lulu Frost)
At the 2011 CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute in Los Angeles, California

Joely Richardson
In Louis Vuitton
(peep-toes by Louis Vuitton)
At 'The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo' premiere in London, England

Christy Turlington
In Calvin Klein
At the 2011 CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute in Los Angeles, California

Evan Rachel Wood
In Roland Mouret
(clutch by Edie Parker, peep-toe satin pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo)
Leaving the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, California

Anne Hathaway
At the' Iron Lady' premiere in NYC, New York

Links for a Life Well Lived-12/17

2011-12-17T12:02:00.001-05:00

Tres busy this weekend with last minute holiday shopping, a birthday celebration, home prep for the mini winter break and a holiday party or two thrown into the mix! As much as I would like to curl up in a cozy corner in some warm pyjamas and a stack of glossy mags, the holiday hustle seems to motivate me to get moving!
What do you have planned for this weekend??

via Toujours Mag

This bar cart done up 'holiday style' is beyond fab and featured on pg. 47 in one of my newest online mag obsessions! ~ Toujours Mag

My tastebuds are buzzing just thinking about this Eggnog Pound Cake ~ The Entertaining Kitchen

Planning a holiday open house? ~ Social Couture

I've died and gone to Oreo heaven! ~ Confessions of a (Closet) Master Baker

Love the combination of blues and tangerine in a home! ~ House of Turquoise

This kicked up eggnog should definitely be on the guest list at your next holiday party! ~ La Petite Coquin

Baby, it's cold outside! Who couldn't use a touch of glorious summer from our friends 'Down Under'! ~ Adore

Lily Lemontree

Links for a Life Well Lived-01/28

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Links for a Life Well Lived-12/17