Food raves (love) – Chuck’s Raleigh.

Tags

ashley christensen, beasley's chicken + honey, burgers, chuck's, hamburgers, poblano chili peppers, raleigh, spirit animal

Ok, let me just put this out there. I like burgers. No, I love burgers. I know what you’re thinking, ‘this is not a burger eating gal!’ Well, I agree with you on that only because it’s hard to find a really good burger joint out here! Do you know how difficult it is to get a well seasoned medium cooked burger? Apparently very hard in Raleigh land… because when I order ‘medium’ it somehow translates to ‘well done’. Do they not understand me? Maybe it’s because I’m a quiet talker? I should be louder, or so I’m told… maybe I have to write it out, I don’t know. Anyway, back to burgers – everything changed the day Chuck’s entered my life.

Simple… white, black and red. Look familiar?

Previously I mentioned Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, which I gave a generally good review. I have been back since and can say that I liked my second visit even more.  Now, Chuck’s is owned by the same chef, Ms. Ashley Christensen (do I need remind you of the James Beard semi-finalist?), and is conveniently located right next door to Beasley’s. Menu is straightforward, 1/2 lb chuck (good god!!), cooked medium (are these guys after my heart or what?)

Now, how you gonna top that burger? – how about shredded dino kale, roasted beets, crushed avocado, bacon onion jam and cream cheese as toppings! With 1/2 lb fries on the side with your standard (ketchup), AND different flavors of mayo (these guys have read my mind!).

My choice – Spirit Animal. An enormously juicy burger topped with roasted poblano chilis, grilled tomatoes, cream cheese and tortilla dust? Whaaaaaaat???Yes, words cannot describe how good it is!

silver ring: etsy.

Local beers on tap and tempting shakes round out the drink menu. I didn’t try a shake because, frankly it’s hard enough for me to eat 1/2 lb of chuck and a 1/2 lb of fries… you think I can add a shake to that? Obviously I’ll be back again. Did I tell you how much I love this place???

Need more info?

PS. With regard to copyright – all images belong to little ol’ me unless otherwise stated. Be kind and give credit where credit is due.

’nuff said

Material goods.

Tags

alexander wang, belstaff, color blocking, gaultier, j brand, jbrand, monochrome, ohne title, t by alexander wang

Remember a little while ago I was trying to conquer color blocking… mixing royal blue and green… poppy, grass green and blue? (Don’t know what I am talking about – check it – my second attempt at colorblocking).

Well, let us now consider the opposite – monochrome.

The Fashionables.com

stylehog.com

 As some of you know I’m sometimes late to the fashion game (my score: -231). I read look at plenty of mags, ELLE, Bazaar, Allure, Marie Claire, Vogue (pretty much only International issues, sorry Anna W), etc., only to find myself more confused and flustered.

So, imagine to my surprise that my other half had mastered monochromatic style. He started with beiges and taupes, then ventured into various shades of blue, dark greys and eventually black. I myself am drawn to black clothing with my handbag or other accessories serving to add a pop of color. But as the weeks go on and my interest fading I found myself drawn to monochromatic looks. Does this mean my other (better) half has more fashion cred than me? Oh boy, this means war!

top: T by Alexander Wang; denim: J Brand 912; bangle: etsy.com

PS. With regard to copyright – all images belong to little ol’ me unless otherwise stated. Be kind and give credit where credit is due.

’nuff said

decisions, decisions, decisions…

Tags

ashlee simpson, daphne, hair, hair color, highlights, lily aldridge, morticia, ombre

It’s that time of year again! Haircut time. Yea, it sounds like I never cut my hair, right? You’re wrong. Well, kinda wrong. Typically I like to be (somewhat) opposite to most people and chop my hair shorter once the mercury drops. After this cut I let it go till the next fall (of course with a few trims here and there… hello split ends!).

Ain’t I a doll? (Please don’t take me seriously here!)

By this time each year I hit my breaking point as I start to feel that my hair is wearing me (think Morticia from Addam’s Family).

2011 was my first year to experiment with a color other than black (wait a minute! Is black a color? I thought colors need to reflect and emit light… argh! This is a complicated topic). Anyway, back to my problems. I’ve got 99 problems and hair color IS one. I opted for the ombre look thinking I could ease my way to a different color by just bleaching the last few inches.  Here was some of my inspiration…

Lily Aldridge/unknown

Ashlee Simpson at BCBG Max Azria Spring 2011/Jason Kempin

Wow, what a dramatic change (at least in my mind)!

So now I’m venturing back to ‘just below shoulder’ length and am debating whether to continue with the ombre or just cut it out of my life (get it?).

Daphne/weheartit.com

PS. With regard to copyright – all images belong to little ol’ me unless otherwise stated. Be kind and give credit where credit is due.

’nuff said

Material goods.

Tags

Anzevino and Florence, asymmetrical, bell bottoms, cape, fashion, h&m

Today I am Superwoman. And that says a lot because most days I’m your everyday weakling. I would prefer Wonder Woman but that’s a lot to live up to (plus I’ve outgrown my Wonder Woman underoos). So, how did I accomplish this you ask? I’m wearing a cape top, silly!

I’ve noticed that capes are again trying to make a comeback. (Wait a minute, did they ever go away?). Didn’t we see this a few seasons ago or was it just last fall?

How many fashion mags do I read look at and not know this info?)

Anyway, you should know by now that I prefer things to be asymmetrical, slightly off kilter, if you will.  So rather than wear a full cape I’m sporting a half cape. (I do own ponchos… can those count as capes? Argh!) My fashion ineptitude is rearing it’s ugly head!

top: Anzevino and Florence; pants: H&M

PS. With regard to copyright – all images belong to little ol’ me unless otherwise stated. Be kind and give credit where credit is due.

’nuff said

Beige (Nude) love.

Tags

becca cosmetics, beige, donna karan, fashion, jenny packham, mango, nude, spring 2011

You noticed the ‘nude’ in parentheses? Yea, nude is what I’m really referring to, but I thought the use of that word alone may translate into ‘NSFW’ which in turn keeps the prospective reader away (or brings more in… who am I kidding, you crazy people). Nude, peach, rose, beige (whatever shade you want to call it) are favorite colors of mine as it works well with my skin color. It also makes people think that I’m not wearing anything when they see me from a distance. hehe. Ahem, sorry guys, no flashing here!

top: Zara.

So you can imagine how happy I was to find these colors in full force this past spring… with also my second color of choice – orange! Hey, lets not forget that I do love bright colors… hello, color blocking! Here are some of my favorite ‘nudes’ this year!

Jenny Packham/Spring 2011

Mango/Spring 2011

Donna Karan/Spring 2011

BECCA Cosmetics

Whoa, nude even translated well into cosmetics! Yay!

PS. With regard to copyright – all images belong to little ol’ me  unless otherwise stated. Be kind and give credit where credit is due.

’nuff said