NYE in the Silicon Valley

If you live in my area and are not heading to San Francisco or Tahoe... Here are some New Year’s Eve events happening in your area. 

Fahrenheit Lounge 8pm 

Downtown San Jose

Tickets

The Menu Restaurant 8:30pm

Mountain View

Tickets

SP2 Communal Bar San Pedro Square,  9:00pm

San Jose

Tickets 

San Pedro Square Market 8:00pm

San Jose

80's theme

Bamboo Lounge Japantown,   9:30pm

San Jose

No tickets needed- must wear ALL WHITE

Pagoda at the Fairmont Hotel 9:00pm

San Jose

NYE [look your best]

Trying to put together an amazing New Years Eve outfit can be tough and frustrating with all the trends out there right now. However, I feel like if you choose something short and sparkly, you can't go wrong.

an eye catching top 

party ready pants

swoon worthy satchel

hawt heels 

glam earrings

my NYE outfit

wishlist II The Manly Man

1. // lantern chandelier $ varies on style
2. // beer making kit $50
3. // cocktail shaker $28
4. // globe bar $200
5. // go pro camera $400
6. // jacket $149
7. // GPS watch $400
8. // verticle turntable $60
9. // 14 in 1 hammer tool $13
10. // bike helmet $40
11. // star spangled spatula $48
12. // man cave book $10
13. // eat like a man book $22
14. // grilling salts $10
15. // zombie print 
16. // black watch $95
17. // raybans $120

wishlist II The Environmentalist

herb garden $40
recycled wood air plant frame $25
spoon notes $15
om yoga tank $28
sparitual nail set $23
glass water bottle $20
loofah $4
eco smart yoga mat $16
cardboard lamp  $prices range on design
newspaper shoes $75
reusable utensils $12
banana paper journal $7
origins gift set $25
duct tape wallet $22

wishlist II The Gadget Guy

1. // camera lens mug $16
2. // jawbone mini jam box $180

3. // Google Chromecast $35

4. // leather cord wrapper $40

5. // ninja sphere $ 200

6. // Looper voice recorder $48

7. // urbanears slussen $15

8. // iPhone 5s $200

9. // aframe art speakers $650
10. // sky wifi smartpen $122
11. // autographer camera $650
12. // lightning bolt power strip $20

get your {{Holiday Shopping}} weekend on

One thing I love about gift giving is the homemade treats you make for others. Or when you can find that really cool unique gift, that isn't sold at the mall like 100 others. I love that personal touch.

Enter this weekend

Because the Bay Area is filled with great stops for all the ones you still need to shop... for

[sorry I tried to make it rhyme]

SJ Made Holiday Pop Up Shop
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd Santa Clara Ca

Get your friends and family something local. They have clothing, accessories, bags and hats- all branded with the West Coast Bay Area feel. Your friend in Ohio will thank you.

Japantown
Jackson street from 2nd to 7th. San Jose Ca

You know I have to pay homage to my favorite little downtown spot. This street has blossomed over the last few months and it just keeps getting better and better. If you need to find something for the guy on your list, I would head here first. From Cukui to 2twenty5 and Holloway to Clout and Aristocrats you really cant go wrong. Guys drool over these designs.

Downtown Campbell 2nd Saturday
December 14th
East Campbell and Central Ave Campbell Ca

Artists' in wood working, metal, jewelery, art, and a ton of other artisans will will showcasing their wares in downtown. Perfect for grandparents, extended families and your girlfriend's Mom.

Ibiss
1100 Lincoln Ave Willow Glen Ca 95125

A great inexpensive shop where you can shop for every female on your list. I don't think you can go wrong with any item from this store. Everything is very trendy, fun and a great price point. They have small gifts, like rings and perfume.. all the way to big items like purses and dresses.. plus everything in between.


German Holiday Market
December 14th
500 Castro Street Mountain View Ca

Come shop all the international delights of all things euro. I have a soft spot in my heart for this country. Food items, art and other collectibles will be available for purchase at this festival. So if you know someone on your wishlist with a taste for flair, it might be worth your wild to check out this event.

Shop, Enjoy and Give Event and Wine Walk
December 17th
Santana Row
3055 Olin Ave San Jose Ca 95128
$10 admission

All the popular shops are there so you are sure to find something for everyone of your shopping list. Plus, this benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank.. why not do something good for your community?
Enjoy a sweet sip of wine while you shop my favorites; including, Anthropologie, Madewell and Free People.

baby it's cold outside

Have you been to the new store in San Jose- BrandyMelville??It’s pretty amazing. I would say that the style strives to be a little hippie//urban.. and I like it! I picked up a few things the other night and am loving every piece. The beanie I am wearing is from there and it is unbelievably soft and cozy. I want to wear it everyday! They have a bunch of cute tops, jackets and accessories too. I will for sure be stopping by this little local gem more often. I love the price point and looks that they offer. 

Welcome to the neighborhood Brandy <3

jacket- old, sweater- Jcrew, pants- Target, boots- Sam Eddelman, hat-Brandy Melville

woof

Miss Payge and I- walking Mia (the cute white tail) and Maddie

A day with friends is a day well spent in good company, laughs and random adventures. This day was no different. We all went to the Bark in the Park event held in downtown San Jose a few weekends ago. The day started out perfect, but was cut short when a torrential downpour came from outta nowhere. Everyone was huddled under the vendor tents in an effort to stay dry. Well, most people lost hope of getting to their cars without soaking themselves after about 15 minutes of  the storm. I hope it brings lots of snow to Tahoe this season. And I like getting to wear my beanies now that the weather is getting chillier. 

On Me: shoes- Vans, jeans- Current Elliot, top- Lucky Brand, jacket- thrift store, hat- Aritzia, glasses- Electrics

Lou with Cookie, Jude with Chanel, Payge with Mia, and Me with Miss Maddie

steal or splurge

Cable Knit Sweater  steal $98  splurge $ 355

Tortoise Sunglasses  steal $40  splurge $280

wishlist II World Traveler

1. // chalkboard globe $100
2. // St Judes charity ornament $15
3. // eiffel tower bookends $30
4. // travel kit $19
5. // travel journal $19
6. // gentleman's grooming kit $49
7. // Jo Malone travel candle kit $100
8. // travel wallet $250
9. // dress shirt//pant travel bags $15 each
10. // Lumix GF5 $399
11. // pack this notepad $8
12. // the big travel book $30

wishlist II Mr. Metro

1. // whiskey stones $21
2. // shoe shine kit $13
3. // exposed clock $140
4. // Human's of New York book $18
5. // art cube $23
6. // briefcase $325
7. // beats by dr. dre headphones $250
8. // leather longwing shoes $90
9. // card holder $50
10. //denim skinny neck tie $38
11. // whiskey soap $12
12. //hooded jacket $54
13. // iPad air $499

wishlist II The Entertainer

1. // knife set $42
2. // elephant pillow $198
3. // chandelier $3300
4. // watercolor lamp shade $98
5. // glitter servingwear $34- $78
6. // owl wine opener $28
7. // west coasters $36
8. // paper straws $8
9. // ecosphere $58
10. // firepit $69
11. // S'mores Kit $13
12. // stainless steel cocktail glasses $15
13. // deer head $60
14. // shot glasses $13

The Holiday Wishlist

For the second year in a row… my blog will be featuring, all December long- 

The Holiday Wishlist.

It is a collection of various gift ideas for that tricky person on your shopping list.

For Women // The Girly Girl // Miss Casual Chic // The Environmentalist

For Men // The Manly Man // Mr. Metro // The Gadget Guy

For Both // The Entertainer // The World Traveler //

And of course--Your Mom (the hardest!!)

Check back all month long for your ultimate shopping list filled with ideas for that special someone.

xo

Cyber Monday- Tomboy Tools

If you are looking for the perfect gift, stop!! You found it. Tomboy Tools is a great company that specializes in tools for women. They come in the cutest colors and are ergonomically correct to fit in a smaller hand. Plus the balance on all the larger items (drills, sanders, hammers..etc.) has been adjusted to fit as well- making it easier to use the tools for all your DIY projects. You can see all the fun I had here, playing with all the items when my cousins came to visit. 

Some of my favorites are the Roadside Assistance Kit, the Staple Gun and the Safety Glasses.

Happy Shopping!!

When you shop my website between Friday, November 29th and Monday, December 2nd, you'll receive FREE shipping* on any order! 

Plus, as a Special "Thank You"  for subscribing to our newsletters,

we're offering you a special gift! 

Enter the word "GOBBLE" at Checkout, and

receive a FREE 3' Mini Tape Measure Keychain!

And if that's not enough, 

our December Customer Special has been released early

and is available to order this weekend, too.  

Check out the attached November and December Specials,

and SAVE EVEN MORE!

* Valid on all orders placed on www.tomboytools.info/michelle, shipping to the continental US. Orders shipping to Alaska and Hawaii and Canada are subject to a $14.95 USD shipping fee. Orders must be placed on www.tomboytools.info/michelle between 12:00 AM MST on Friday, November 29th, and11:59 PM MST on Monday, December 2nd.

Tomboy

This past weekend my adorable cousins came to visit and we had the best time. I Showed them around town, got delicious tacos, and got to enjoy some quality time with them. I got to learn all about my cousin's company Tomboy Tools- which is seriously a great concept. (Check Them Out!!) All the traditional tools (screwdrivers, hammers, drills..) have been redesigned ergonomically to fit a smaller hand, a.k.a. a woman's! Plus, they have a wide range of tools available and they all come in cute colors. After my teaching lesson, we went downtown Japantown and grabbed Mochi ice cream, because they had never had it before. Savannah loved it!! I hope they had just as much fun as I did. I love you both xo

be thankful

There are so many things that I am thankful for this year. Sometimes you have to endure the hard times to truly appreciate everything that you have. 

1. My dog

She has been my sidekick since day one. And shows me everyday what the true meaning of unconditional love is. Seeing her happy face reminds me to share my smile with others.

2. My Sister

She probably is going to kill me for putting Maddie before her on this list.. but oh well, I love her spunky personality anyway. My sister tops the list because she always gets me and is on my side no matter what. Also because of her sarcastic attitude, insane DIY skills and her killer red hair. (gingers have no soul)

3. My Mom and Dad

Well, if it wasn't for them.. I wouldn't be here. They are my biggest cheerleaders and also my biggest critics- which tends to keep me on my toes. They taught me to always try and do your best and if you make a mistake it's OK to laugh at yourself. 

4. My Health

I want to live 'till I'm 100. I'm happy that I try to take care of myself food and fitness wise. I pride myself on my excellent immune system.

5. My Friends

They tell me when I'm going crazy and when I should stand my ground. The encourage, inspire and educate me everyday. Plus they always have an extra hug when I need it. 

dress up your dressings

I think stuffing is probably my favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal. 

I grew up with the traditional type; carrots, celery, that country homestyle flavor right out of the bird. But over the years as my passion for cooking has grown and with every cooking magazine or blog I read- I find that there are so many more recipes that I want to try.

 Don't get me wrong I looove my Mom's stuffing.

But I want to try some new ideas and new flavors- sweet, savory, spicy.. 

These are three that I am most interested in recreating.

Southern Cornbread Stuffing

• Cornbread 
• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal 
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour 
• 3/4 cup buttermilk 
• 2 eggs 
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Stuffing
• 7 slices oven-dried white bread 
• 1 sleeve crackers (recommended: Saltine) 
• 8 tablespoons butter 
• 2 cups chopped celery 
• 1 large onion, chopped 
• 7 cups chicken stock 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper 
• 1 teaspoon sage, optional 
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning, optional 
• 5 eggs, beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, dried white bread slices, and saltines; set aside.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the vegetable mixture over cornbread mixture. Add the stock, mix well, taste, and add salt, pepper to taste, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Pour mixture into a greased pan and bake until dressing is cooked through, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Cornbread:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

New England Sausage, Apple Cranberry Stuffing

• 14 ounces white bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 12 cups)
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausages, casings removed
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 6 cups sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only; about 3 large leeks)
• 1 pound tart green apples, peeled, cored, chopped
• 2 cups chopped celery with leaves
• 4 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 cup dried cranberries (about 4 ounces)
• 4 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 eggs, beaten to blend
• 1 1/3 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Divide bread cubes between 2 large baking sheets. Bake until slightly dry, about 15 minutes. Cool completely.

Sauté sausages in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, crumbling coarsely with back of spoon, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer sausage to large bowl. Pour off any drippings from skillet. Melt butter in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add leeks, apples, celery and poultry seasoning to skillet; sauté until leeks soften, about 8 minutes. Mix in dried cranberries and rosemary. Add mixture to sausage, then mix in bread and parsley. Season stuffing to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Mix eggs into stuffing.

TO bake stuffing in turkey:
Fill main turkey cavity with stuffing. Mix enough chicken broth into remaining stuffing to moisten (about 3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth, depending on amount of remaining stuffing). Spoon remaining stuffing into buttered baking dish. Cover with buttered aluminum foil. Bake stuffing in dish alongside turkey until heated through, about 45 minutes. Uncover stuffing and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes.

To bake all stuffing in pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 15x10x2-inch baking dish. Mix 1 1/3 cups broth into stuffing. Transfer to prepared dish. Cover with buttered foil and bake until heated through, about 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Bulgur Stuffing with Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms

Directions

• 2 1/2 cups boiling water
• 2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms (about 2 cups)
• 1 ounce dried morel mushrooms (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 1/2 cups bulgur (preferably coarse)
• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 1 cup packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves

In a bowl pour boiling water over mushrooms and soak 30 minutes. In a 4-quart saucepan sauté onion in 2 tablespoons butter over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in bulgur and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes.

Trim and quarter Brussels sprouts. In a large non-stick skillet heat remaining 6 tablespoons butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and sauté Brussels sprouts, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes.

Remove mushrooms from water, squeezing out excess liquid, and reserve soaking liquid. Rinse mushrooms to remove any grit and coarsely chop. Line a sieve set over a bowl with a dampened paper towel or coffee filter and strain reserved soaking liquid into bowl. Chop parsley.

In a large bowl toss together bulgur mixture, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, 1/2 cup strained soaking liquid, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste and cool completely. Stuffing may be made up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring stuffing to room temperature before proceeding.

source 1, 2, 3.

thanks babe

At the beginning of the year, it was hard to see anything positive. But it's amazing how fast your perspective changes when you're surrounded by good people. 

I have so many things, and people, to be thankful for this year. The girl in the photos is just one of the people I am thankful to have in my life. She is wonderful at giving advice and always tells me to me true to myself and to my heart. Plus, she is hilarious.. even when she isn't trying (which is the best time).

Isn't her outfit perfect for the Thanksgiving Holiday? I am in love with the whole black stockings paired with black pumps trend. And her infinity scarf is a great color to wear for the season, especially with the backdrop of that tree. That pop of plaid on her skirt just screams festive, and goes great with her gorgeous smile. When I'm hanging with a specific group of friends, I feel like all we do is laugh and smile the entire time. I truly love every minute I spend with them. It's always an adventure.

Fig Tarts

After many requests for the recipe, here it is.

 Last week I entered into a recipe throwdown at work. The object was to create a recipe using fresh produce, that could be a side dish at Thanksgiving dinner. The winning participant would relieve a membership to the produce delivery service 

Farm Fresh to You (check them out). 

I decided to try non traditional recipe, a Fig Tart. A little nervous that the judges were expecting a bowl of potatoes- I hoped that my creativity would win them over. See.. I'm very fond of the blend between sweet and savory and salty, but not everyone is.. And certainly not everyone is fond of goat cheese. 

If that's the case, Brie cheese is a great alternative in this recipe.

 Ingredients: 

• Frozen puff pastry dough- I used Pepperidge Farm 
• Goat cheese- I used the plain flavor 
• Fig jam
• Fresh figs
• Dried Cranberries
• Prosciutto

Directions:

Thaw your pastry in the refrigerator so that it is still chilled when you pull it you start your recipe. 

Unroll it and lay it onto a greased baking sheet or Silpat. Then, prick the entire surface with a fork.

Spread one tablespoon of your jam on the pastry.

Slice your pastry into desired sizes squares. 

Now, layer on each square your: goat cheese, dried cranberries, sliced figs and prosciutto on top. 

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Pull it out and let it cool for 5 minutes, you might need to re cut your slices from earlier. 

Serve and enjoy xx

Pie Recipe Week :: Triple Chocolate Pumpkin

ingredients 

·         2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs (about 16 crackers)

·         3 ounces (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

·         1 tablespoon granulated sugar

·         2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar

·         1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

·         1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·         3 ounces bittersweet chocolate (preferably 61 percent cacao), finely chopped

·         6 ounces semisweet chocolate (preferably 55 percent cacao), chopped

·         2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

·         1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

·         1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

·         3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar

·         3 large eggs

·         1 tablespoon cornstarch

·         1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

·         1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

·         3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·         3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

·         1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

·         Ground cloves

·         1 ounce milk chocolate, melted

directions 

Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugars, salt, and cinnamon in bowl. Firmly press mixture into bottom and up sides of a deep, 9 1/2-inch pie dish. Bake until firm, 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove from oven, and sprinkle bittersweet chocolate over bottom of crust. Return to oven to melt chocolate, about 1 minute. Spread chocolate in a thin layer on bottom and up sides. Let cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees

Make the filling: In a large heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt semisweet chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.

Mix pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves in a medium bowl. Whisk 1/3 pumpkin mixture into chocolate mixture. Whisk in remaining pumpkin mixture until completely incorporated.

Transfer pie dish to a rimmed baking sheet, and pour pumpkin mixture into crust. Bake until center is set but still a bit wobbly, 55 to 60 minutes. Let cool in pie dish on a wire rack. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 8 hours (preferably overnight). Before serving, drizzle melted milk chocolateon top. Serve immediately.

recipe source