The International Frank Sinatra

Music is the soundtrack to life. So, when times call for some fun musky electronic lounge, check out Louie Austen. The Austrian born international crooner of leisure entertains with the charm and charisma of Frank Sinatra and has gained success among the younger electronic music scene. Tracks like "Glamour Girl", "Dreams Are My Reality", "Disco Dancer", "Take Your Time", and "Myamy", and "Rain" are worth checking out.

Click here for Louie Austen's website

Take a Stay-cation

It's been much too long since my last REAL vacation. Weekend getaways to the California desert don't count. So, I'm on the hunt for inspiration that'll take me away to paradise...and I won't even have to step foot out into the "StormWatch" type conditions going on outside.

My all time favorite island scent in a can is Comptoir Sud Pacifique's Vanille Coco. One spritz and you'll be in paradise. LITERALLY! You'll go ape for the Vanille Banane scent. It's truly bananas!

Bring the sea, sand, and sun inside with Trina Turk's Beach candle.

Do you like Pina Coladas? You will now! 2 of the best coconut lotions are: Mountain Ocean Skin Trip handblended in Boulder, Colorado and PURE FIJI Coconut Hydrating Lotion.

Winter InVESTments

When I'm not at work, kick-it-wear is what I like to wear this time of year. For durability, warmth, and style, the North Face offers the best selection of vests, jackets, and fleece. So, you can still look cool while staying warm.

Winter whites are a great alternative to basic black post-workout clothes.

For FREEZING winter nights out on the town, nix the mountain cabin look for something a little more stylish yet functional. The fur vest look took quite some time for me to warm up to, but now I think I'm cool with it.

Rachel Zoe says, "I die for this fur vest!"

The Art of Comfort Food

The grilled cheese is one of the easiest and cheapest comfort foods to prepare at home. All you really need to make the simple sandwich are 2 slices of your favorite bread, plenty of melty cheese, and real butter. Basically, the fat on fat on fat concoction takes about 5 minutes to grill up and lunch or dinner is served.

As a kid, my mom would grill up a few of these cheesy creations at once for us kids. It was typically the weekend lunch or even dinner meal....served with a big glass of chocolate milk. The sandwiches ALWAYS tasted better when she'd make them, especially when prepared with wheat bread, medium cheddar cheese, and of course butter. She never used margarine.

The great thing about comfort food is that there is no wrong way to prepare it. And when it comes to sandwiches, there really are a million and one combinations. I recently discovered one of the most amazing takes on the grilled cheese combining crusty grilled raisin bread, talegio cheese, and apricot-caper sauce. Enjoy!

Short Rib and Tallegio Grilled Cheese with Apricot Caper Puree

Yields 4 sandwiches

Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

15 dried apricots

1 tablespoon nonpareil capers

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

8 slices dark raisin bread

5 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

4 small handfuls arugula

3 oz chopped braised beef short ribs

8 ounces taleggio cheese, rind removed, at room temperature

4 pinches fleur de sel

Preparation:

Place apricots in small saucepan and add water just to cover. Bring to full boil and immediately remove from heat. Mix in capers, mustard and olive oil. Pulse in blender to chunky consistency; set aside. 


Spread one side of each bread slice evenly (to the edges) with 1/2 tablespoon butter. With buttered sides down, top four slices with 2 tablespoons of apricot mixture, handful of arugula and equal portions of cheese. Top with remaining slices, buttered side up. 


Place large skillet over high heat, and melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Reduce heat to low and add sandwiches. Cook until browned and crisp on both sides, about 2 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter lined with paper towels, and sprinkle each with a pinch of fleur de sel. Cut in half and serve.

Recipe courtesy of:

The Foundry on Melrose

7465 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Phone: (323) 651-0915

Restaurant website: http://www.thefoundryonmelrose.com

The Pretty Little Party Dress

Tis the season for parties! And, that means lots of sparkles, lace, and kisses under the mistletoe! Get your party on in one of these little numbers.

Be a devil in a blue dress. But, remember...Santa is checking his list of who's been naughty and nice. This sparkly one is courtesy of Trina Turk.

You can never go wrong with the LBD. Make that an LLBD. Little Lace Black Dress. Get this one at Trina Turk.

Winter whites are always in style. This Urban Outfitters strapless number even has pockets for those extra chilly nights out on the town.

Cheers dolls!

Heart and Sole

Pretty little shoes always make a lasting impression on me. A pair of red heart shoes once brought a friend and I together 7 years ago. The shoes have since worn out, but that friend will always hold a special place in my heart. Here's a few of my favorite kicks:

XOXO,

Chelsea Valentine