Gift Guide 2015: Beauty

Every girl loves a product. Whether it is to stock up on something she already loves or try something new, giving a gift that makes someone feel pampered works every time. Here are some ideas...

For the girl that loves a cult classic and is dying to try the best...

1. Giant bottle of the most luxurious lotion by Kiehl's. 

2. She used to mix this up by hand for Kate Moss, now you can use it too. Charlotte Tilbury

3. Arguably one of the most talked about masks out there by GlamGlow

4. The magic potion that Cate Blanchet swears by. SK-II 

5. The big bottle of every one's favorite moisturizer by Clinique.

For the girl who always has the new iPhone...

Left: A high tech toothbrush that cleans like no other and whitens your smile. Issa

Right: Every girl needs a Clarisonic, it is life changing. 

For the girl who loves a blow out, but can't always make it to the salon...

Left: Get Jennifer Anniston hair with these products by Living Proof. 

Right: Everything she needs for the perfect blow out at home by DryBar. 

For the girl who could play with make up for hours...

1. An essential kit filled with industry expert favorites at Violet Grey

2. Clutch friendly mini lip glosses by Laura Mercier

3. The perfect size little kit in a color palette that looks good on everyone by Bobbi Brown

For the girl who is always traveling...

Left: Little bottles of the best sun protection that has nothing scary in it. Coola 

Right: TSA friendly sizes that can get her through an entire trip by Violet Grey

For the girl that lives in the cold and needs something to brighten her skin and her mood..

1. For dry hands and lips all winter long by Kiehl's 

2. A sampling of masks from one of the best French beauty lines, Caudalie

3. A beautifully packaged set of two different masks in individual pods by Glossier

Check out the other guides: 

Lux List

Custom gifts

Happy Gifting

xo

Erin 

White Bean Turkey Chili

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! My readers are always on my "thankful" list. Truly, it still amazes me that anyone comes here at all! I hope that your weekend is long, lazy, delicious, comforting, and most of all full of love.  

This recipe could be the perfect light dinner tonight or any night this weekend. (If you are not sick of turkey!) This is easy to put together, feeds a crowd, can be made in advance (just reheat over low heat), and feels decadent when in reality it is not. You could skip the ground turkey all together and just add in shredded thanksgiving turkey and use up those leftovers, too. 

White Bean Turkey Chili 
Imperfect Polish 2015
Serves 6-8

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 lbs of ground turkey (or use about 3 cups chopped up leftover turkey)
2 cans chopped green chilis (optional)
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 beer
2 - 15oz cans of  any white beans (kidney, northern, cannelini)
2 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
3 tablespoons corn starch

For garnish (all optional):
chopped cilantro
shredded cheese
sour cream
lime
hot sauce
tortillas

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add in the onion and cook until translucent. About 10 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook an additional minute. Add in the turkey and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. About 10 minutes. (if using leftover turkey, just throw on in)

Add the green chilis (I omitted these because I know my kids would just pick them out) and all of the seasoning. Then pour in the beer and scrape up any lovely brown bits on the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer until reduced by half. About 5 minutes.

Then add in the chicken stock and beans. Bring chili to a boil and mix together the corn starch and 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir the corn starch mixture into the boiling chili, then lower heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes until chili is thickened. Turn off the heat and taste, adjust for seasoning (feel free to add more spices if you want!).

Serve in heaping bowls all on its own or with any of the garnishes I listed.

Enjoy!
xo
Erin

Gift Guide: Lux List

There are always gift fantasies. We all have them. 

This is a serious lust list for those that have been extra nice this year. 

And guys (yes, I know you are reading too), you cannot go wrong with any of these.   

1. Christian Louboutin / 2. Sarah & Sabastian/ 3. YSL / 4. Vita Fede / 5. Proenza Schouler / 6. Mackage / 7. White + Warren / 8. Valentino / 9. EF Collection / 10. Kate Spade / 11. Montcler / 12. Valentino / 13. Alexander Wang / 14. Chloe / 15. Jimmy Choo / 16. Chloe 

If anyone is looking for anything specific for holiday gift guides, please let me know! 

Check out the other Custom Gifts List, here. 

xo

Erin 

Can't Live Without, Neat Girl Edition

For this week's Can't Live Without, we have the pleasure of reading about what some of the Neat Method girls are loving right now. If you are unfamiliar with this genius, savvy, and highly effective company, now is the time to get to know them. Neat assists clients with everything from closet organization to full house moves and everything in between. They are located in twelve cities across the country, but will also travel to help you with your needs. I was lucky enough to use them for closet organization when we moved and it was amazing. Not only are these girls great at their job, they are women entrepreneurs killing it at helping people live more organized and sane lives. 

So let's see what a few of the Neat ladies Can't Live Without right now…

Mika Perry, Scottsdale, AZ Neat Girl

1. Macbook

2. Sparkling Rose (when not pregnant) Sparkling Water (when pregnant)

3. NARS foundation

4. Diptique L'Ombre Dans Le'au perfume

5. Moroccan Oil

6. Evernote 

Julia Purdy, Columbus, OH Neat Girl

1. Manduka PRO yoga mat

2. Capim Santo Alchemy Slumber essential oil

3. Bluebuds powerbeats wireless headphones

4. Tieks ballet flats in matte black

5. Glambox Tall Tstand for all your long necklaces and layering pieces 

Marissa Hagmeyer, South Florida Neat Girl

1. Trader Joe's Cookie Butter Cheesecake Bites 

2. Land of Nod Stripes Around the Floor Grey Bin 

3. Restoration Hardware Teen Woven Leather Storage Baskets 

4. Starbucks Toasted Graham Latte 

5. Voluspa Baltic Amber Candle 

Katie Koentje, San Diego, CA Neat Girl

1. Wilson Creek Almond Champagne

2. My COACH Day Planner

3. Chocolate NuttZo

4. Ergo 360 Infant Carrier

5. Lavender Essential Oil

Brooke Ruder, Chicago, IL Neat Girl

1. Lattice Bins for scarves, hats & gloves

2. Everlane's Twill Weekender Bag

3. Oxo's Fliplock Glass Canisters

4.  Rails Flannels

5.  May Designs Notebooks

Thank you girls! Happy weekend everyone! 

xo

Erin 

Modern Rustic Table Setting

Though I am not hosting a Thanksgiving myself this year, I could not help but to put together my dream table. I am feeling a modern rustic vibe. Black, white, wood, marble, and copper. Simple, yet unexpected. Maybe this will give you some good inspiration for your table this year. 

 Buffalo Check Runner / White Ceramic Vase / Marble Serving Bowl (obsessed) / Chalkboard Place Cards / Angled Stemware / Back Collins Glasses / Copper Flatware / Black Stitched Napkins (also obsessed) / Wooden Chargers / White Bistro Plates / 

xo

Erin 

Cozy Chicken & Quinoa Casserole

A heavy hearted weekend filled with Prayers for Paris, extra snuggles from those we love, and questions about humanity that have no answers, calls for some comfort on this Monday. This recipe is from the archives on the old site and it is the perfect pre-feasting dinner. It tastes just like thanksgiving, without the guilt. It can be made in advance, travels well, and freezes well. Pretty much perfect. I make more than one every time and pop one in the freezer to have on hand for a lazy winter night. The recipe is simple, delicious, and full of healthy ingredients. Feel free to make this with ground turkey and leave out the mushrooms if the kids are not into them. Add in any other veggies you like as well. 

Chicken & Quinoa Casserole 
serves 8

1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 cremini (or white) mushrooms, thinly sliced
2/3 cup cup acorn squash, large dice (about one small squash)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups quinoa (look by the grains or pasta in your market)
2 cups chicken stock
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
1 1/2 cup reduced fat Monterrey jack cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a skillet, saute onion in olive oil on medium high heat for 5 minutes or until translucent.

Add mushrooms, squash and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Add chicken, breaking into small pieced as it browns, about 5 minutes.

Add poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, stock and quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer ten minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley and 1 cup of the cheese. Transfer ingredients from pan into 9 x 9 casserole dish or baking pan. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of casserole and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

Serve warm.

To make in advance, cook casserole all the way through the recipe. Then refrigerate and reheat at 350 degrees until warmed through. You can also freeze it. And either thaw or put straight in the oven frozen at 350 degrees. It will take about 1 hour to reheat. 

xo
Erin

ShowsToppers

I think every girl feels like they have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear sometimes. And it is probably not true, but things can feel tired or lame. Most likely you have great pieces that can work again and again, but maybe just need something to spice it up. Enter the statement clutch and statement earring. These babies can make you feel like you have a whole new look with something you have worn again and again. And they work for any occasion. Maybe with your favorite jeans/blazer combo for dinner or with that ten year old LBD for a holiday party. Even things that are splashy and fun can become a classic in your closet...

1. How perfect is plaid for the holidays? Also in black/white Kate Spade $228

2. Gold stars and suede Claire V. $215

3. Own this and wear it with absolutely everything Claire V. $275

4. An investment piece you would never regret. Comes in pink too Valentino $1545

5. This glitter number would amp up any look Rebecca Minkoff $95

6. Love the material and lip print DVF $328

7. Love this update on an animal print Claire V $235

8. Soft leather and so pretty Fendi $890

9. Obsessed with this emerald Victoria Beckham $750

10. The calf hair and tassel combo are killing me Anthropologie $228

11. The red lipstick of clutches Valentino $547 (on sale)

12. Velvet with embellishment is so pretty Kotur $280 (on sale)

13. Cult classic that comes in many colors YSL $1150

14. I love the scale of this leopard print J. Crew $375

15. Fringe couldn't be more on point right now YSL $495

1.  Modern take on semi precious stones Elizabeth & James $245

2. Love a tassel. always Vanessa Mooney $45

3. Cheeky little evil eyes Lulu Frost $225

4. Huge crystal flowers are perfection Oscar de la Renta $325

5. These crawlers are gorgeous Dannijo $370

6. Love these black and white Alexis Bittar $145

7. Love that these pearls drop behind the ear. Kate Spade $58

8. The color of these cabochons are so pretty Kenneth Jay Lane $45 (on sale)

9. This celestial pair are perfect for the holidays Bauble Bar $36

10. These have a great vintage feel Ben Amun $120 (on sale)

11. A modern take on pearls and crystals. Slay Elizabeth Cole $87 (on sale)

12. Simple dress and these would be gorgeous Elizabeth Cole $121 (on sale)

13. Beautiful shape and love the lilac and lemon combo Bounkit $255 (on sale)

14. These turquoise drops are amazing Kenneth Jay Lane $45 (on sale)

Have the best weekend! 

xo

Erin 

In Flight Beauty

While we all love a destination, the getting there can be a drag. Packed planes, long lines, gross cabins, the entire thing can take a toll. Especially on your face. I ALWAYS break out after a flight. So in an effort to try and find some balance while my skin is obviously in freak out mode, I have tried this little routine on my last few trips. It also feels a little luxurious to use nice products mid air, even when I am wrangling little ones. Everything is TSA approved size and leaves room for your other products. 

From Left to Right: 

Sunscreen is super important on a flight. This SuperGoop Suncreen Serum is the best. Light, but packed with anti-aging fighters and the best protection. $42

A nice coat of Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream really keeps your skin from drying out. And I love the glass pot, I just fill it back up when it runs out $18

I am not a huge scent person, but I love the richness and soft smell of this L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream $12

I am an addict of Glossier Balm Dot Com. Slather it on your lips, and smudge all over your cuticles for an insta-mani mid flight $12

I worship this Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray. It I use it throughout the flight. It tones and moisturizes your skin while also tightening pores $18

Happy Traveling. 

xo

Erin 

Sweet Dreams and Easy Mornings

Are you going to see family over the Holidays? Maybe they are coming to you? We have a little of both going on and my favorite time is the mornings when everyone is getting their coffee, kids are running around with bed head, and something delicious is going on in the kitchen. What can be tricky is what you are wearing during this morning 'o fun. I get jostled out of bed pretty quick by my three year old, so changing is kind of a pain. I like pajamas that are comfy and cute  but also appropriate for when you run into Dad in the hall. All my options are starting to look ratty (I have shorts from college still making the rounds), so here are some options I found for an update...

1. Obsessed with this. Also comes in a pretty print Oscar de la Renta $76

2. This also comes in other colors Splendid $72

3. These are an extra 25% off right now J. Crew $78

4. Pretty much the perfect lounge pant Eberjay $69

5. Cute long johns in many prints Victoria's Secret $54

6. These are a cult classic and currently on sale Eberjay $90

7. A bunch of cute options. Can vouch for how comfy this is Victoria's Secret $35 or 2/$49

8. Cozy, but still sexy. Comes in other colors too Calvin Klein $82

9. The softest looking romper Splendid $39

10. Classic, but keeps you cool all night. Other colors Splendid $78

11. These are satin and come in many prints Victoria's Secret $60

12. Classic and also comes in blue J. Crew $68 (extra 25% off right now!)

Happy Sleeping

xo

Erin 

Series: Can't Live Without

These weeks are flying by and I cannot get enough of the warm weather, which will be gone as soon as I mention it. This weekend will be filled with friends, wine, pizza night, and hopefully a Bears win. Been keeping the schedule light in anticipation of the holidays and it has been so nice. 

Here are this week's ladies who currently Can't Live Without this…

Midwest transplant in LA and Ad Director at PeopleStyle Watch, who loves her Frenchie, sauv blanc, and a dance party...

1. Quest bars

2. DIORSHOW Maximizer. It acts as a moisturizer for your eyelashes, and I swear has a latisse-like function when I wear it at night

3. Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Moisturizer (Night) & Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream 

4. DryBar for blowouts (memberships receive 10% off all product) Love the Blonde Ale Products

5. Corepower Yoga, Yoga Sculpt

Sweetest Mom to two even sweeter kids, is one of SF's top designers and always has a smile on her face…
1. Ritual Coffee 

2. Date night at Frances in SF

3. My iPhone

4. Soap.com/Diapers.com

5. Ballast Point Even Keel Beer

Media maven and newlywed, who loves a night out with the girls as much as a night in with Netflix and her man...

1. Kindle App for romance novels

2. Vinyasa Flow @ East Bank Club - instructor Betsy Schenk Seligman 
3.  Cadella Med Spa  

4. No Chip Mani/Pedi at Kinzie Nails 

5. Skin Medica - AHA / BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

6. Justin's Classic Peanut Butter packets to snack on, preferably with an apple

Teacher and super Mom of three, who is always there when you need her and loves to get the girls together...

1. My 3 little minis (Harley, Colby, and Jadyn)

2. Sushi

3. Titos & Water w/ 2 lemons (not just 1)

4. Crossfit

5. Golf dates with my hubby and wearing a fun Smashing outfit to the tee

Ad Exec by day, girl about Chicago at night, who loves snuggling with her pup and being inspired by a recent trip to London...

1. Theory moto jacket

2. Rag & Bone skinny jeans

3. Nike bordeaux snakeskin high top sneakers

4.  Alexander McQueen floral/skull knit scarf

5. La Mer eye cream...to help me refrain from looking as jet-lagged as I feel

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Pine Nut and Parmesan Crusted Fish

Let's get real, fish can be intimidating to make. It can even be intimidating to buy! A few tips at the market. Ask what the freshest and go with one of those options. Nothing worse than days old catch. Ask to smell a piece of the fish that you are buying. If it is fishy smelling, don't get it. Now, if you live anywhere near a coast, I envy you. But for those of us in the middle of the country freshness is hard to come by. Your best ally is the fish monger, he will know the best fish for you. 

I like a firm white fish like halibut, sea bass, cod, or mahi for this recipe, but you could do it with salmon as well. When roasting fish it can be tough to figure out when it is done. Simplest way is to touch it. If the fish is firm to the touch, pull it out. I swear you cannot do it wrong! 

This recipe is so delicious. Easy enough for a week day dinner, but certainly elevated enough for company. It comes together so quickly and you look like a star. 

Pine Nut and Parmesan Crusted Fish
Imperfect Polish 2015
serves 4

1/3 cup chopped pine nuts
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
juice of half a lemon
4 basil leaves, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of mayo 
salt and pepper
4 fish fillets (i.e. cod, grouper, sea bass, halibut, anything you like. Wash and pat dry)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil (or just use foil) and place the fish fillets in it.

In a small bowl, combine all of the rest of the ingredients, then top the fish fillets with the mixture covering the tops well.

Roast the fish until the fish is just firm, then stick under the broiler for a few minutes until  the topping is toasted and bubbling. Depending on thickness of the fish it could be anywhere from 10 minutes to 20 minutes total cooking time.

Enjoy warm from the oven with a spritz of that last half of lemon and a glass of wine.

Note: You can assemble this a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Then let come to room temp and pop in the oven for dinner. 

xo
Erin