Beautiful Winter Inspiration

Layers, warm, cozy, comfortable and casual don't necessarily have to translate into bland outfits during winter, though  managing to stay warm and still looking  put together can apparently be a difficult task. When it comes to how to look stylish in winter these rules of thumb are my top ones for guidance:

• accessories can play a key role [a beanie, a fedora hat, a fur bag];
• often times a pop of an unexpected color [a vibrant burgundy, yellow or emerald green} can add an interesting element to your outfit;
• when one properly layers can lead you to end up looking  oh-so-chic [sometimes when it is really cold, you could wear wear two coats as long as you follow the trick of wearing a   slim fitting jacket not to add too much bulk and add a nice and roomy coat on top];
•  mixing  faux fur, and leather add a sense of warmth and a bit of an edge to your outfits and keep you looking on-trend;
•  a peek-a-boo lace under a chunky turtleneck is perfect for a romantic winter date night; 
• a turtleneck or a chunky sweater paired with a miniskirt and over-the-knee boots will provide a is cosy and chic effect;
• bright scarves,  colorful gloves or even a great blanket are your best friends during the winter months - they'll make a statement in your daily routine;
•  a great pair of boots is a must-have if you want to be stylish in winter, but aim for comfort, warmth, practicality and ankle support [it is hard to look good when one’s feet are painfully cold].

Bear in mind,though, that at the end of the day, no matter how cute your winter outfit is, if it doesn't keep you warm, it's not doing it's job. And also tell me, what are you wearing this winter?

This Too Shall Pass

In The Mood For

 {enjoying a nice cup of hot latte and great readings on early weekend mornings}

And suddenly november is a wrap! I’ve got to admit that I’m feeling as giddy as a kid about putting up our Christmas tree in the new house and acquiring new ornaments this year more than ever [did I mention that I really love this time of year?]. A long list of scrumptious and decadent treats has been carefully noted down, the house has been SLOWLY but beautifully developing into a home and despite my constant multitasking [or because of that]I have been able to find a little time to enjoy small things I treasure [reading a book, exercising, cooking for pleasure, window shopping/ actually shopping - my favorite!, watching a film at night] more often than I thought it would be possible. I hope you have a nice weekend and manage the time to literally stop and smell the roses, for they are beautiful and so scented this time of the year. I'm in the mood for...

 {crushing on long, sleek, warm dresses in neutrals + classy sneakers for running errands}

 {cozy wintery accents that provide a lovely comfortable feel}

{a beautiful fancy décor for the upcoming festivities}

{currently loving this amazing "sew psyched" green on nails}

{let pre-Christmas diet begin - I am crazy for "bolo rei"}

{loving leopard and gold, naturally -at LEFTIE'S}

Crunchy Almonds Tart

A beautiful and tasty indulgence to share with your closest friends and family on this Thanksgiving day, the topping of this tart has enough crunch, color and flavor to be a headliner at your table. Perfect to be served with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream this super easy and quick tart really tastes as good as it looks. I wish you a lovely, caring and memorable Thanksgiving day, surrounded by those you love !


Ingredients:
 
Dough

• 150g flour 
• 100g sugar 
• 1 egg 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder  
• 100g unsalted butter

Filling 

• 200gr almonds [laminated]
• 125gr unsalted butter 
• 8tablespoons milk 
• 100g sugar

Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees. Start by making the dough, beating the sugar with a little melted butter. Add the egg, flour and baking powder and beat again. Line the bottom of a tart mold with this dough and bake for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling - combine all the ingredients in a pan and let it boil until they are all well connected. After 10 minutes the dough is prepared in the oven put the stuffing on top and goes back in the oven until golden [about 7 minutes].

Ingredientes:

Massa

• 150gr de farinha
• 100gr de açúcar
• 1 ovo
• 1 colher de chá de fermento em pó
• 100gr de manteiga sem sal

Recheio

• 200gr de amêndoa laminada
• 125gr de manteiga sem sal
• 6 colheres de sopa de leite
• 100gr de açúcar

Pé-aqueça o forno a 180º. Comece por fazer a massa, batendo o açúcar com a manteiga ligeiramente derretida.  Acrescente o ovo, a farinha e o fermento e bata de novo. Forre o fundo de uma forma de tarte com essa massa e leve ao forno durante cerca de 10 minutos. Entretanto, prepare o recheio - junte todos os ingredientes num tacho e leve ao lume até ficarem todos bem ligados. Passados os 10 minutos da massa estar no forno coloque o preparado do recheio por cima e vai novamente ao forno até ficar dourada.