Food For Life: Mac and Cheese with a twist

Macaroni and cheese is a classic meal great for kids but what about for the adults? Why not try a more "sophisticated" mac and cheese with roasted chicken, goat cheese and rosemary for a rustic yet class recipe. And if you are vegetarian, forget the chicken.. it'll taste just as amazing!

YIELD: 8 servings

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound dried rigatoni

1 quart heavy cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 clove fresh garlic, crushed

8 ounces goat cheese

2 cups shredded roasted chicken

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a rapid boil. Add the oil and rigatoni to the water and cook accordingly to the directions on the package, 10-12 minutes.

2. While you are waiting for the water to boil, pour the cream into a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the rosemary and garlic to the cream and bring it to a simmer - take care not to let it boil over. Allow the cream to reduce by about half.

3. Stir in the goat cheese and chicken and continue cooking cooking it till the cream coats the back of a spoon.

4. Thoroughly drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the sauce. Coat the pasta in the sauce and simmer over low heat for a few minutes. Serve hot.

-My Baking Addiction adapted from Live to Cook

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Holiday Beauty

Make sure you look your best this holiday season with some of our favorite beauty picks! 

Get the Holiday Look:

Liz Earle Limited Edition Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser // Ciate Treasured Posessions Nail Paint Pot // Philosophy Christmas Morningbarely Set // NARS Monoi Body Glow

Cle De Peau Extra Rich Lip Color // Deporah Lippmann 'Cleopatra in New York' Nail Color

MAC Warm Eye Pallette // Lancome 'l'absolu Golden Hat Edition Rouge Lip Color

Butter London Autumn/Winter Collection

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Day to Night: Palm Beach Winter

Last night here in Palm Beach we welcomed the Holiday Season with the lighting of the Christmas tree on Worth Avenue. Winter is a special time in our beachside town, and last night we were inspired by the casually chic look that ladies capture all capture so well. This is a basic look that can easily take you from shopping to dinner, to a night out on the town!

DAY:

Splendid striped dress

House of Lavande ResortCollection Harbour earrings

(pre order: info@houseoflavande.com) 

Coral scarf

House of Lavande Vintage bracelet 

Gucci shoulder bag

Metallic gold ballet flats 

NIGHT:

House of Lavande Spring/Summer Golden Fish necklace

(pre order: info@houseoflavande.com)

House of Lavande Vintage stacked bangles

Marc Jacobs classic clutch 

Robert Bibi Sandals

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Jewelry Trend: Gold Rush

Get the pieces here:

Cigarette Case // Unsigned Gold Leaf Necklace // Gold Star Earrings  

1970's Givenchy Gate Cuff // 1950's Boucher Gold Cuff

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House of Lavande Gift Guide Week Two: Eclectic Collectables

Finding truly unique, collectable pieces are one of the many small joys in life. We love giving these treasures, just as much as getting them. That happy moment when a person you care for opens up that rare piece you found just for them is a great moment. 

Solitare.exe card set / House of Lavande Vintage Compact / Literary Coasters 

Unzipped glass bag / Well-Rooted Turn Table / House of Lavande Cufflinks

Indoor Greenhouse / Scratch-Off Map / Tree Shadow Lamp

House of Lavande Vintage Comb / Canned Guitar Picks

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Who's Wearing What

Olivia Wilde wearing a House of Lavande Vintage bracelet to the Museum of Natural History Gala in New York City

Taylor Swift wearing a House of Lavande Vintage bracelet in London to the Westfield Christmas Light Illumination promoting her new album, RED

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We're Having a Sale!

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Happy Thanksgiving: French Silk Pie

We all love pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Not only is it tradition, but its delicious; warm or cold, with whipped cream or without. This Thanksgiving why not introduce another kind of pie? (along with the pumpkin, of course) French Silk Pie is delicious yet light because of it's airy and silky inside. 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted

3 large eggs, room temperature

Whipped cream, topping

Chocolate curls, garnish

Yields 1 9-inch pie

Directions:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out pie crust dough into a 14-inch round. Wrap dough lightly around rolling pin and transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press dough into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim the dough to allow a 1-inch overhang. Pinch dough between thumb and forefinger to make an edge around the rim. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C).

Using a fork, prick a couple dozen holes into the bottom of the crust to prevent the dough from rising. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crust is lightly browned. Allow to cool completely before filling.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and sugar until smooth and light in color, about 5-6 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating for 5 minutes between additions to add height to the chocolate filling.

Spread the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust and chill for at least 2-3 hours before serving to set the filling and develop the flavor.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chocolate curls.

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Moodboard: Leather

Another trend we are completely into this fall/winter is the lush, rich look of leather. It instantly adds edge to an outfit, whether in the form of a pant, boot, or a classic leather jacket. Pair with simple basics for day, and anything with a bit of of drama and shine for night and you will instantly have a put-together classic look. 

Shop the look:

Alan Anderson for House of Lavande collar necklace 

Madison Harding Celil boot

China Glaze Liquid Leather nail polish

House of Lavande Vintage button earrings

House of Lavande Vintage Victorian bracelet

Jimmy Choo Rebel textured shoulder bag

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House of Lavande Gift Guide Week One: Beach Chic

This Holiday season we are kicking off our weekly gift guide with treasures inspired by gorgeous Palm Beach! A favorite winter destination, these gifts are perfect for the chic beach bum! 

Grain Surfboards, The Pandin / House of Lavande Vintage turquoise earrings, Taigan.com / 

House of Lavande Resort 2012 Everglades Necklace / Hollie and Harrie Sombrilla  / House of Lavande Vintage ring / Sunny Life Beach Sounds portable speaker / Roxy Beach Blanket cover up /

I am busy beach towel / House of Lavande Vintage cuff / The Beachies towel holders

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Pretty in Nude

This winter season, change things up a bit and go for a nude face with your holiday attire. Going "au naturale" will add something new, fresh and pretty to your beauty routine. Go for a pink cheek and dark mascara if you want something a little more girly. Get the look with some of our favorite "nude" products! 

Get the Look

1. Bobbi Brown Blush in Nude Peach  2. Jane Iredale Perfectly Nude Eyeshadow Kit  

3. Burberry Beauty Nude Glow No.3  4. NARS Illuminator in Orgasm

5. Dior Vernis Nude Collection  6. Bobbi Brown Lip Balm

7. Dior Beauty Nude Foundation

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Jetsetter Destinations: Charleston, Savannah, St. Augustine

 This past weekend was another fun filled trip for the HOL girls, this time in the form of a few days on the open road! The itinerary wasn't planned and included stops in St. Augustine, Savannah and Charleston. Each destination has amazing amounts of charm and personality, and honestly it would be difficult to choose a favorite.

Some of our favorite places to wander, snap photos and of course eat a delicious meal are as follows: 

Charleston: 

Rainbow Row: One of the most visited parts of Charleston, this historic row of colorful houses are charming and full of history. A nice long walk down Bay street is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Middleton Place: Home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the US, the middleton plantation has been around since the 1700's! A vast expanse of gorgeous landscapes, horseback riding and a museum- we definitely recommend taking the self guided tour, you never know what you will stumble upon.

Squeeze: Number one choice for a cocktail in Charleston. Tucked away on East Bay, Squeeze has an amazing happy hour with creative, delicious and well priced drinks. Also, the amazing bar staff make for a seriously enjoyable, relaxed time. 

Savannah:

Antique Shopping: Jefferson Street is home to quite a few very full antique shops. You can get lost for hours in the multiple rooms of furniture, books and everything in between.

 (make sure you go upstairs to see the thousands of chairs they have in one room)

River Street and City Market: Shopping, eating, live music and wonderful people watching are all great things to do while strolling around these beautiful Savannah neighborhoods. You may even stumble upon an art fair if you're lucky!

Goose Feathers: An adorable cafe in the historic downtown area of Savannah. We grabbed a fantastic breakfast and cup of coffee, but they offer healthy, fresh selections all day long. 

St. Augustine:

St. George Street: Antiquing, shopping and sightseeing. The streets of St. Augustine are charming and very fun to explore. Each unique shop and restaurant has a personality of it's own where you can find truly unique items.

Crucial Coffee: Hands down the coolest and most delicious coffee shop we've ever been to. They have fun names for the drinks they create, and an adorable interior filled with fun magnets and little things to keep you entertained while you wait. Don't forget to try something they have baked fresh. You definitely won't regret it. 

The Floridian: Their slogan says it all; Innovative Southern Fare for Omnivores, Herbivores and Locavores. They create unique dishes using local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Also, the laid back reggae music playing atmosphere inside is just as inviting as the cozy front patio. 

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The Best Accessories for Winter

Chances are this winter is going to be a cold one, well that is if you live outside Palm Beach. Don't fall into the trap of "it's cold outside so I'm just going to wear tons of layers and not look chic" this winter. These accessories are sure to make you feel and look great while still keeping you warm.

-- Pair a hat, short or floppy, to keep the wind from making a mess of your hair while keeping your ears warm. Not to mention there is something super chic about a woman in skinny jeans, a coat, boots and a hat in the winter.

-- Gloves can be intimidating so we feel many women reach for the mittens. You don't have to be a fashionista to rock leather gloves. Own the trend and go for a bold pair like Rag and Bone's black chevron quilted driving gloves or Ted Baker's Chupa leather button glove. Not to mention, your hands will be thanking you towards the end of the day.

-- Scarves are a must, a no brainer. Instead of just a solid color go for something a little more bold like the Charlotte and Lisa hooded scarf with a touch of fur. (If you don't have a hat, this scarf doubles up to keep your neck warm and your head.) If you are more of a classic kind of girl, go for a Burberry London check scarf in a cream color.

-- Boots are a necessity but why throw on your chunky boots to combat the weather? Go for a chic bootie or over-the-knee boot to make a statement but also to keep your feet warm.

-- And of course, don't forget your sunglasses and umbrella. Winter weather is unpredictable in most places so it's always nice to carry around both of these. You never know when you'll go from sunny to snowy!

Get The Look:

DSquared2 Black Floppy Hat

Rag & Bone Black Chevron Quilted Driving Glove

Burberry Owl Handle Walking Umbrella 

Intermix Velour Crusher Hat

Burberry London Fringe Scarf 

Ted Baker Chupa Leather Glove

House of Harlow Chelsea Black Cateye Glasses

Burak Uyan Camel Suede Booties

Charlotte and Lisa Black Wool and Fur Scarf

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DIY: Giving Thanks

Give thanks inside a thanksgiving fortune cookie! Have them at the table tailored for specific guests, or have people fill them out and read them all as a group later in the evening. The creative options are endless! Download the Thanksgiving leaf template here. 

Keep the kiddies (and crafty adults) busy with making paper headbands. Cut out all of the necessary pieces, set up a table with glue sticks, staplers and paint, and let the creation begin!

visit made, fiskars, and mermag for more fun crafting ideas!

 A great way to chronicle the year that has passed is to print out instagram photos that you and your family have taken, and create fun displays and centerpieces with the photos. Check out the typoinsta app to add fun words and effects to your photos!

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Shades of Fall

We all know that oxblood is making a big appearance this season but what about the other shades perfect for the cooler weather? Shades of brown can be a perfect addition to any outfit and add a little bit of chic-ness to whatever you're wearing.

Get the Look:

Dunhill Cashmere scarf

Kaufman Franco fitted dress

Fendi Peekaboo medium bag

Alejandro Ingelmo Sophia heel

House of Lavande Vintage Victorian Intaglio Ring

Fendi Bordeaux silk scarf

NARS nail varnish

J.Crew metallic trim ballet flats

House of Lavande Vintage 1950's Schreiner Earrings

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Mood Board: Printed for Fall

Rocking print on print is always a bold choice, and can be a bit daunting, but this fall is the perfect time to take the plunge. Match your prints, or get creative and mix them up for a major expression of color. 
House of Lavande Vintage KJL earrings
House of Lavande Vintage collar necklace
Matthew Williamson clutch
Christian Louboutin wedges

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Food for Life: Spinach Frittata

We've all been on a health binge lately here at House of Lavande and how much more healthy can you get than a Spinach Frittata with caramelized onions, eggs and tomatoes? With the weather being hot one day and cold the next in Palm Beach, we decided that this is the perfect meal; its appearance makes it feel like a summer dish while its comfort and temperature make it a fall dish. Enjoy!

WHAT YOU NEED:

[Makes: 2 servings]

1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced

olive oil

salt

1 garlic clove, minced

2 to 3 cups baby spinach

1/2 cup small white beans

4 large eggs

A splash of buttermilk

freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup curly parsley, chopped

1 tomato, sliced

1/4 cup roasted pepitas

DIRECTIONS:

1. Peel and half a large sweet onion. Cut across the grain into thin slices. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. When oil is shimmering, add onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low or low (depending on burner strength), and sprinkle onions with a little salt. Continue cooking, allowing onions to slightly stick to the bottom of the pan between each stir, for 20 to 30 more minutes (or up to an hour) until onions are browned and caramelized.

2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 dgF. Crack 4 large eggs into a bowl and whisk with a splash or two of buttermilk. Stir in about a 1/4 cup chopped curly parsley, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

3. Wash 2 to 3 cups baby spinach and mince 1 garlic clove. Heat a few tablespoons olive oil in a medium cast iron or ovenproof skillet over medium. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until nearly wilted. I had some baby white beans in the fridge so I added about 1/2 cup of those to the sauteing spinach as well.

4. Pour the eggs over the spinach and beans and top with tomato slices. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes and before the eggs are fully set, top with caramelized onions and roasted pepitas. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for another 5 minutes until eggs are cooked through and top is slightly browned. 

Recipe from here

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Iconic Woman of Style: Michelle Obama

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, one thing that cannot be argued is great style. Last night, Michelle Obama looked stunning in a House of Lavande Vintage brooch paired with a Michael Kors dress. She has worn both pieces multiple times, proving that a bit of creativity in your closet can take you through many different occasions, even election night! 

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Day to Night: House of Lavande Resort 2013

An oversized, white button up can easily take you from day to night, when accessorized properly. Taking a necklace from House of Lavande's Resort 2013 Sunset collection, and a ring from the Harbour collection we have created two looks that you can easily rock during the day, and at night!

*for a complete look book, or to pre order your favorite Resort 2013 pieces contact us at info@houseoflavande.com

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Who's Wearing What

Sarah Jessica Parker in House of Lavande Original Collection on the cover of Elle November

Necklace and collection are available late November but can be pre-ordered by calling House of Lavande at 561.802.3737

Lucy Hale in a House of Lavande Vintage ring at the CMA Awards

Taylor Swift in a House of Lavande Vintage ring at the BBC 1 Teen Awards

Taylor Swift in a House of Lavande Bangle on Good Morning America

Taylor Swift in House of Lavande Vintage earrings on her appearance on Katie

Another sighting of Jessica Alba in her own House of Lavande Vintage necklace 

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Beauty: Holiday Glamour

This holiday season pump up the glamour effect with these bold beauty trends!

1. A thick braid, and rough smokey eye: A fishtail braid, or a pumped up version of a regular braid, and smudged brown and grey shadow with black liner give the perfect amount of undone glamour.

2. Waves and red lips: A large barrel curling iron and the perfect shade of red is a classic, go-to look.

3. A puffy bun and nude lip: The perfect day to night look, tease hair at the crown, and add a headband. Add a layer of peach lipstick or tinted gloss to complete the look.

4. Teased hair and sleek, blog eyes: Tease hair from front to back, shade eyes with a dark shadow and finish off by lining with a pop of color.

5. Sleek Bun, with jewels and black liner: Accentuate a heavy middle part with bold eyeliner. Finish off with a jeweled headband or barette. Tweet

What We Love: About November

November is upon us and we can't believe it. The weather is starting to get a bit cooler here in Palm Beach and it's finally starting to feel like Fall. 

1. Sarah Jessica Parker on the November cover of Elle wearing House of Lavande Original Collection: where to start.. first of all, SJP looks gorgeous and we love the necklace on her. The entire Original Collection will be available late November and is on pre-order right now, including the Everglades necklace she is wearing. Call us to make sure you get yours when it comes out 561.802.3737

2. Cooler weather, Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Pie: Everything about Fall we are loving, especially since the humidity is starting to move out and the cool air is starting to move in! (You know when we are wearing light sweaters that its a big change in Palm Beach)

3. Starbucks Seasonal Drinks.. especially the Pumpkin Spice Latte: Many people believe that it isn't truly Fall until Starbucks starts serving their Pumpkin Lattes and it's the truth! We've seen an increase in Starbucks cups laying around our office lately.

4. Dark and warm colors especially with makeup: We love this Tom Ford burgundy lip color and are very excited to start wearing these colors on an daily basis especially since they are becoming a huge trend, not only with makeup but with clothes, shoes and accessories as well!

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