Life's Little Luxuries

A bright dress for my sister's rehearsal dinner.

Lovely gifts.

What can I put in these?

Life's Little Luxuries

The makin' of a delicious taco night.

My best find from a fantastic bargain store in West Hollywood.

A delicious treat that makes me feel not so bad about indulging.

Life's Little Luxuries

A little elephant that sits on top of my dresser.

A clutch in the perfect color; it goes with everything!

A pretty headband for a lovely bride-to-be.

College Student: Gone Chic

What school spirit! Chic Deac is a blog dedicated entirely to fashion for the school that I hail from, Wake Forest University. Dresses, shoes, jewelry, furnature, bedspreads, and more ALL reppin' the Old Gold & Black. Now that's dedication!

TGIF

Photos courtesy of Unsuck DC Metro

There are times when I absolutely dread riding the DC metro. It certainly is convenient to live in a city where you can travel essentially anywhere you need to go relatively easily on public transportation, but sometimes being packed into a stinky, germ-ridden car seems so overwhelming. This attitude is becoming much more common on these 100+ degree days when the metro is packed with confused tourists and riders who opted to forgo the deoderant. After reading about trains in India in Foreign Policy last week, however, I guess the ride might not be so bad...

The Tiniest Technology

Can you imagine computers so small that you can sprinkle them all across a city?? Its becoming close to a reality. This video talks about "Smart Dust" and its future potential. It reminds me of The Jetsons. Who knew a cartoon could be the most accurate predictor of the future!

Life's Little Luxuries

The best way to get a little color when I haven't had a chance to be in the sun. I love this stuff!

A big beautiful bud in a pretty little vase.

A silky new party purchased with the new member discount at MyHabit.

Style Inspiration: Yulia Tymoshenko

All eyes are on the trial of former Ukranian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. On trial for charges of abuse of power, Tymoshenko was jailed Friday for contempt of court for disrupting her trial. As her supporters protest in the streets, the U.S. condemned the arrest on suspicion that the move was politically motivated.

Ms. Tymoshenko's signature braids have become internationally famous, as well. The plaited crown is a traditional Ukrainian style and has been rumored to be an inspiration for designers and celebrities alike.

Photos found here and here.

On celebs and the runway...

Grandma's Goodies

Mama is sharing one of our Grandma's favorite recipes: Chocolate Malt Brownies! Its a great combination of malted milk and chewy brownies. Plus, they're frosted!

Chocolate Malt Brownies

1 1 oz unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup sifted flour
1/2 cup chocolate flavored malted milk powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Melt chocolate and cool. Cream together next 3 ingredients until fluffy. Beat in the eggs. Blend in melted chocolate. Stir together dry ingredients. Stir into creamed mixture. Fold in nuts. Spread in buttered 9" x 9" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool. Frost with malt frosting.

Frosting:

Cream 2 Tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup chocolate flavored malted milk powder. Slowly beat 1 cup powdered sugar and enough milk to spreadable consistency.

Love,

Mom

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Life's Little Luxuries

Pretty tea tins that I use to organize my makeup.

A favorite scent I discovered while visiting the Fragonard perfume factory on the French Riviera.

My new favorite piece of jewelry, found at the Eastern Market flea market.

Style Inspiration: Hina Rabbani Khar

Hina Rabbani Khar is Pakistan's first female Minister of Foreign Affairs and, at age 33, one of the youngest diplomats in the world. She is a mother of three, highly educated (including a degree from the University of Massachussets), and a businesswoman (she is a co-owner of the swanky Polo Lounge restaurant in Lahore). At the age of 25, she was elected to the National Assemly, and she also served as the State Minister for Economic Affairs and Statistics before her current gig. To top off her long list of accomplishments, she has been highly popular with the citizens of India--a nation that has a long tumultuous history with Pakistan. Many, however, are quick to pin her success in India on the media's fascination with her beauty and fashionable yet modest style.

All photos from Google Images