COZY IN CRIMSON CASHMERE

Having my coffee one morning while  flipping through Instagram ...I came across the page of Lindavwright.  Seeing photos of a poised and chic woman wearing beautiful scarves on the streets of Paris was eye candy to me, so I began to follow her. After a little more investigating I discovered she had a boutique in Paris France, called Crimson Cashmere; located right in the heart of the Triangle d’or. We were on our way to Paris for summer vacation and staying in that area, so  I had to pay her a visit. After a few more “likes” on her page, I found her on Facebook, Pinterest, then I noticed she was a Texan, and from my hometown Fort Worth!  Yee-Haw...Now I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to meet her and make a connection with a Texan living in Paris. After breakfast, we strolled to the boutique and found Linda. There she was... chic, relaxed and tall!  Linda has incredible style and of course the boutique was charming. I couldn’t resist this beautiful blue Cashmere sweater that made it’s way home with a Texan, who loves Paris.

The shelves were stocked with beautiful colors. I chose this tropical blue cashmere sweater. I thought it would be perfect for our California weather. I'm a fan of the color combo- blue and brown. Ralph Lauren Leather Pants / Hermès Scarf / Reyna Icaza clutch / Tracy Smolin Recreo Reinspired Vintage Cuff / 

Manolo Blahnik Leopard Print Heels / Can't wear these enough...

Great cut on the sweater, has the feel of a cozy sweatshirt.

Tying in a colorful scarf can always dress up your look.

Persol sunglasses / For a classic look

Vintage Cuff from Recreo-Inspired / Tracy has a gift of taking vintage pieces and creating  an edgy and feminine feel.

Reyna Icaza Handbags / I find this clutch goes with almost anything and works for day or night. It fits just the right amount of your personal goodies.

Crimson Cashmere / Dress it up - Dress it down & Yes! tie in your scarf with your sneakers / On the streets of Paris / Hermès Evelyne bag

Meeting Linda Wright - Texas finds Texas - Crimsons styles are a true reflection of Linda.. classic, stylish and sophisticated. 

Manolo Blahnik Leopard Heel

Accessories always make a simple outfit colorful, chic, and expresses who you are. Have fun and be creative while choosing your accessories.   *Thank you Tony Williams for a fun day of photos in your beautiful home.

                       "Find out who you are and do it on purpose"    Dolly Parton

CHICKEN INSPIRATION FROM ESTRELLA

Spending time in my kitchen represents creativity and joy. I work on my blog, arrange flowers, have my coffee in the wee hours, write down my visions and gratitude list, and most of all, our family enjoys yummy meals here, while Buster our dog chills on his cozy bed. On Sunday mornings, I look forward to checking out the food section and being inspired from beautiful photos and great chef recipes. Last weekend I read an article on Dakota Weiss, (Top Chef) from Estrella Restaurant, Located in West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, right here in our hood.  I can't wait to experience Estrella!  in the meantime... I decided to give it a go in my own kitchen.  

 Inspired Dish from Dakota Weiss - Baked Chicken / Red & Yellow Beets / Spicy Red Cabbage / Walnuts / Yogurt / Edible Flowers/ FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon / William Yeoward China  / Take a look at Backyard Boss / Everything you need to know about edible flowers.

I am fortunate to have a Whole Foods five minutes from my home. The Prepared food section is the next best thing to home cooking, and soooo fresh. I really love the challenge of admiring photos of delicious foods, then attempting to recreate and make it my own. These beets are already prepared, I added red cabbage that I marinated in Rice Vinegar and a Habanero pepper to the red beets; it gives a real kick to the cabbage, and a vibrant color:  Crushed walnuts... Did you know that there is one nut that has more brain-enhancing essential Omega 3's than other nuts?  And it kinda looks like a brain...Yep it's the walnut.  Adding edible flowers from Backyard Boss gives a delicate and elegant touch to your dish. ( Marigolds add a peppery punch flavor)

Fage Greek Strained Yogurt / takes the place of sour cream,

The Kitchn.com  is my favorite chicken recipe, it's quick and flawless every time. I used a little  Mache Lettuce (known as corn salad)  to add a little green color. Why not find a photo of one of your favorite chefs, and add your own creative twist to their recipe. You can't make a mistake, only a mess and a tasty meal!  Presentation is a big part of the meal, taking the time to make your plate beautiful feels creative and looks fab. Enjoy your process, remember...your energy goes right into your meal that makes it's way into your body, along with those gathered at your table. I look forward to dining at Estrella, here in West Hollywood. Our city is abundant with incredible restaurants and top chefs. At least I get to be a creative chef in my own kitchen...and in my own mind.    

        ‎”This is my advice to people: Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun”-Julia Child

BENEFITS OF DOING PLANK

Here are two exercises for when you are on-the-go or at home. Ladies let's get STRONG. Planks have become increasingly popular for core strengthening, and for good reason: it works - Sometimes the simplest of movements result in the greatest gains to your fitness, and this is certainly true with planks. Holding the plank position takes strength and endurance in your abs, back, and core.  And that's what we're doing...Getting Strong.

Five Benefits of Doing Plank / 1) Toned Belly 2) Reduce Back Pain 3) Flexibility 4) Improves Mood  5) Improves Balance and Posture / Nike Shoe / Nike Pant / lululemon /  Emi-jay hair tie 

Position yourself seated on the floor - Toes pointed

Push body up - Legs straight out in front of you. Make sure you're not holding your breath. 

Take your butt to the floor - As you come up - lift your leg up - butt to the floor - switch legs - 10 lifts on each leg - 2 sets - *Try not to collapse in your mid-section. Plank is one of the best exercises for core conditioning but it also works your glutes , hamstrings, improves posture, and balance.

Turn over and hold in a plank position for 1 minute - (or as long as you can ) This exercise strengthens your entire body -  If you do planks regularly, you'll find your'e able to sit or stand  straighter, and even breathe easier. Just doing the above plank is enough. You will see the more you do it, the longer you will be able to hold the position, and that means you are getting stronger.

 A strong core enhances balance and stability, it can help prevent falls and injuries during sports or other activities. In fact a strong flexible core supports almost everything you do. Your back is your 'ladder' a great way to keep that support healthy and long lasting is to strengthen your core.

                       * Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin