My Life With Shoes

So I have always loved shoes, always. I think it started when I was about 3 and would play dress up in my mom's closet. She has size 4.5 shoes so they were all so cute, aren't all shoes cuter when small? I remember loving this open toed red sandal and thinking wow, this is amazing, can I get them in my size?

Anyways, my love of shoes progressed when I was introduced to Nordstrom's kids section when I was on a trip to LA with the family in elementary school. I found the red sequin ballet flats, think Dorthy from Wizard of Oz, and I was hooked. It only got worse from there. I think I was the only 5th grader to bring a change of shoes for PE, there was no way that my Nike's would go with my cute GAP and Limited dresses.

Sex in the City is the reason I got introduced to the finer things - Manolo's. They were like candy, all the beautiful colors, textures, sizes. Amazing. I remember getting my first pair of suede kitten heeled Manolo's for my birthday in college - then it was really on.

Now I think my shoe obsession has become a problem. I really don't discriminate, I shop at Target, Bakers, Steve Madden, Endless.com, all the way up to Neimans and obviously still Nordstroms. I feel like I am always looking for the perfect shoe addition to my collection and life.

My wedding shoe was the epitome of my shoe obsession. I wanted my first Louboutin purchase to be monumental and quintessential Lauren. My life turned full circle when I happened in to these lovelies at, you guessed it, Nordstroms. I don't think you can get more perfect than this shoe.

You would think that my shoe obsession would stop after finding that perfect shoe, but oh no, it goes on, it never ends. There is always a cute 5 1/2 shoe waiting out there for me to give it a home, and a cute outfit.

Nordstrom, watch out.

Amazing New Hair Products

So I got a sample for the new Fekkai hair shampoo, conditioner and balm - Silky Straight Ironless.

I am obsessed. I used all three products before drying my hair, and it was so smooth and soft - yet still had volume. When I straightened it, it took less time and was super smooth but not flat. Hoping my current products get used up quickly so I can go purchase these! HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Indian food - I have missed thee

So I think I have had Indian food once since I have moved back to TX from NYC - at some hold in the wall place way far away in Frisco. I used to order my chicken tika masala and saag paneer at least once a week from Earthen Oven when I lived on the Upper West and I have so missed it.

Thank goodness my coworkers introduced me to Roti Grill today for lunch. Conveniently located on Mckinney near Knox, this place is awesome. Choose your protein (or veggie) and your sauce and it comes with rice, or go big and get the Texan size (yes I am serious) and it comes with naan or roti bread.

I got my usual chicken tika and it did not disappoint. Super creamy and delicious. I was also able to steal some of the saag paneer from my boss and it was amazing as well. I will definitely be going back with another group to sample some other menu options now that I know it is there.

So happy and full right now.

20% off at Bloomingdale's!

Now until April 3rd get 20% off at Bloomingdale's! I just ordered some cute flats and maxi dresses for super cheap... you should too!

Code: SpringFF

Central Market - Knife Skills Class

There were many aha moments last night coming from the knife skills class at Central Market. I had been DYING to take this class for months, but the spots always fill up.

Anyways, I will try to scan in my notes on how to cut things like onions, tomatoes and bell peppers in less time and more efficiently, later this week. I would suggest this class for anyone who loves to cook. It is so helpful to understand how to really chop/cut things in order to save time and do the recipe properly.

Way to go Central Market!

Save Mad Men!!

Ok so I am already pissed that Mad Men won't be shown this summer - greedy greedy show creators. I look forward to one good show while everything else is on hiatus. Apparently AMC wants to make some more $$ off the show but cutting cast members, such a no no. Read Perez's article for the scoop.

Betty is getting BIG

So I realized that I haven't posted about Betty recently, what a horrible Mom I am! Anyways, the little girl is pushing 10 lbs. Check her out.

Restaurant Review - The Park

Chris and I went to Park on Friday for the first time since this restaurant opened over a year ago, and the wait was so long we gave up, several times.

I was surprised to show up at 8:00 to get promptly seated - and noticed many open tables as well. This was concerning, was the food going to be gross? That couldn't have been more wrong!

So  Park recently got a new chef, Garreth Dickey, (a protege of Chef Cassel who moved back to the recently re-opened Green Room), and a whole new menu fit for sharing with your friends.

Our table got one of the flat breads for the table and it was amazing, so I hear, because I am an idiot and gave up cheese for Lent (another post all together). The flat bread was perfectly thin with homemade burrata, pesto and mushrooms.

I stuck to the mussels, although they aren't the same as before but just as good. These are made with a stout beer and served with warm, soft bread. Chris loved his heirloom tomato salad and lamb and pork meatballs (absolutely amazing).

Just as before, the bar features wonderful hand muddled drinks.

I have to say, I kind of like the new Park. I appreciated not having to wait over an hour for a table and never getting it and I thought the menu had more options that appealed to everyone. Definitely worth going back again on a nice Friday night.

MORE BUTTER!!!

I am almost mad that I discovered Ain't No Mo! Butter Cakes because now I want one every day. I am not the biggest sweets person (I am more of a cheese and cracker person), but these little bunt cakes are amazing.

I was at the farmer's market with the hubby and parentals last Saturday when we headed in to Shed 2 to check out the prepared foods. The first booth we saw, partially because my Dad has the biggest sweet tooth ever, was Ain't No Mo! These sweet ladies had hand made perfect personal sized bunt cakes in a few flavors, such as traditional white (more like yellow from the butter), cookies and creme and dark chocolate. We tried a few samples and were hooked - we bought 6. They were also testing out mini breakfast muffins, and we were happy to be a taste tester for those as well. The raspberry mini muffins were to die for.

I will definitely be going back to Ain't No Mo! For my next dinner party. I served them on individual dessert plates with fruit on top - they were a hit!

Keep baking ladies!!

Why is hummus so good?

I think I eat hummus every day when I get home. Why is it so darn good? I think I have tried every brand at all the stores in Dallas, and also every flavor.

I just happened on a newer brand called Out to Lunch Foods. This is a small start up all-natural brand from Austin, so I am glad to support them! I try a new flavor each time I go back to Central Market/Whole Foods and this time I tried their Balsamic Onion and Garlic -hello amazing. I suggest everyone go buy this right now...

Restaurant Review - Charlie Palmer

Finally made it to Charlie Palmer at the Joule on Friday with the hubby and 'rents. I have to say I am not a fan - nope, not impressed at all. The space itself is lovely, but the food was not.

We did have an early reservation (7:15 on a Friday) but no one showed up and the restaurant was over half empty. The prices were extremely high, but not worth it.

My mom and I split the scallops which came out cold, as did the burssel spouts. Pet peeve = cold food. No mam.

I will not be going back. For a nice meal with the parents I think I will stick to Fearings, Neighborhood Services and the like. Don't waste your money here.

Go see The Kings Speech

I finally saw The King's Speech on Friday, and it was everything I hoped it would be. I have always loved Colin Firth (ever since he played Darcy in the BBC version of Emma), but this movie made me love him anymore. He completely captured the character of King George the VI. If you haven't seen the movie yet, go do it now!

I need to brush up on my history, but I do remember Wallis Simpson's jewelry from the courtship of her and Edward going on auction at Sotheby's recently. Check out the article. She got some AMAZING things. Now I am intrigued by Wallis. Read her bio here.