What to drink on Thanksgiving

Posted on November 24, 2010 by | 3 comments

Happy Thanksgiving from S&C!

Over here at S&C, we are grateful for a lot of things this Thanksgiving. We’re grateful for loving family and friends. We’re grateful for our good health. We’re grateful that we continue to be inspired. We’re grateful for you!

Thanksgiving is a great holiday. It is a great holiday filled with some really great food. (Ms. S&C *loves* Thanksgiving Day food.) In addition to that turkey you’re brining, that homemade cranberry sauce you’re making and that pumpkin pie you’re baking, there are beverages to think about! Don’t get overwhelmed though, Ms. S&C is here to help.

PUNCH

Why not start off the afternoon with a seasonal punch? Your guests (especially if you have a lot of them) will think it is festive and fun and delicious. You can go with the Autumn Spiced Punch (a S&C fave that has been referred to as “autumn in a cup”). Or, you can try this new S&C punch recipe (which is good with or without the booze). It is another crowd-pleaser, not to mention it looks so pretty with the floating apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Sparkling Cinnamon Apple Punch

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 gallon apple cider , chilled
  • 4 cups cranberry-apple juice, chilled
  • 12 bottles sparkling wine , chilled (or sub one liter ginger ale for mocktail version)
  • Fresh apple slices
  • Cinnamon sticks

Directions:

In a saucepan, bring the water, sugar and cinnamon to a boil; stir until sugar is dissolved. Chill (preferably overnight). Just before serving, combine the syrup mixture, juices and sparkling wine in a punch bowl or large pitcher. Garnish with fresh apple slices and whole cinnamon sticks. Serve over ice, or use an ice block to chill.

BEER

For those non-punch-drinkers, offer them beer before dinner. And if you are going to drink beer on Thanksgiving, you might as well drink a pumpkin beer, right? There are some good ones out there. There are a lot of good ones, actually. There are some mild ones and there are some full-bodied ones. Ms. S&C gave a rundown of her faves awhile back. (And yes, Dogfish Head Punkin Ale is still high on the list.)

WINE

Opinions run far and wide about what wine to pair with Thanksgiving dinner. Some say Zinfandel goes best with turkey. Others say Riesling, for its acidity and touch of sweetness, is a good match. You could have the best of both with a rose. Or, Beaujolais Nouveau is often a popular choice because it is light and fruity, and it goes well with turkey and the melange of side dishes. Ms. S&C says drink what you want! (But you should probably have a mix of red and white. And don’t forget the champagne! Because: it truly goes with everything.)

NIGHTCAP

Have a bourbon. Or a glass of prosecco. Or a cognac like B&B.

Ms. S&C wants to know: What’s on your Thanksgiving dinner menu? What will you and family and friends be drinking around the dinner table?

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Cocktails by numbers

Posted on November 16, 2010 by | Leave a comment

Ms. S&C hasn’t blogged a lot recently, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t had some notable experiences to share — especially on the cocktail front. Here’s a little glimpse of what she’s been up to.

13 — Points scored in a blind beer-tasting game

Friends, who host an excellent Halloween bash each year, led guests in a blind tasting of eight beers at their most recent party. Points were awarded for correctly guessing the beer style, brand and country of origin. Ms. S&C had a respectable third place finish.

2 — Punches made in a one-week period

Ms. S&C made a punch for her friends’ Halloween party. Ingredients included: cinnamon-infused simple syrup, lemon juice, apple cider, apple brandy, sparkling wine.

Ms. S&C made a second mocktail punch for a co-worker’s baby shower, using many of the same ingredients: cinnamon-infused simple syrup, apple cider, cran-apple juice, ginger ale. Please note the lovely garnishes of fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

2 — Parties hosted in a three-day stretch

The two cocktails Ms. S&C created for her bookclub and a post-dinner party deserve their own dedicated posts. The Clover Club Cocktail was tres apropos for discussing “The Group.” And the pear margarita (secret ingredient: pear-infused simple syrup) was an inspired choice for post Mexican dinner imbibing.

7 — Football games left in the regular season

One recent game day beverage was a Red Eye (or Michelda). A simple combo of lager and tomato juice (but feel free to add lime and spices), is a great treat for those days when you want something more than just beer.

posted by Ms. S&C

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Not your husband’s shoes

Posted on November 9, 2010 by | 2 comments

When Ms. S&C was on her way to work recently, a man walked by and said: “Your husband is going to be mad.” Ms. S&C, a little puzzled, responded: “I’m sorry. Excuse me?” The man said: “Your husband is going to be mad because you’re wearing his shoes.”

Ms. S&C was wearing these Frye oxfords during said encounter. There’s not much to say really: she loves them. Loves, loves, love them. Not only for the cognac color and the soft leather, but because they are the second most comfortable shoes she owns (the first being her Justin cowboy boots, which have a very similar structure). She has worn these oxfords with shorts, with mini skirts and with jeans. Now, she needs to find the perfect wide-leg, wool, camel-colored trousers. (If you spot some, alert her, will ya?).

And, in case you haven’t noticed, Mr.-you-should-try-another-line-that-is-more-charming, oxfords are everywhere. These J.Crew high-heel oxfords are another awesome example. The combo of the wool herringbone fabric and leather give them a funky, vintage appeal. Or, how about these cool, two-toned (and at a much better price) Nine West lace-ups in dark grey?

To complete Ms. S&C’s menswear look? Get the lady a whiskey, please.

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Getting Experimental

Posted on November 3, 2010 by | 4 comments

I do believe I’ve found a new signature cocktail for fall, and I couldn’t be more excited to spread the word. Miss Mojito encountered this particular cocktail at Balliceaux, a Richmond restaurant with a truly creative menu. The charmingly-named Down the Rabbit Hole combines an unexpected mix of muddled blackberries, tequila, red wine, ginger liqueur and lime juice. The wine tempers the kick of the tequila, while the muddled fruit provides the perfect touch of sweetness. The end result is a ruby-red concoction that is as easy on the eyes as it is on the taste buds. Now it’s time to start experimenting with proportions. I’m thinking equal amounts of wine and tequila with a small handful of berries, a splash of ginger liqueur and the juice of half a lime.

As long as I’m experimenting with my cocktails, I figured it couldn’t hurt to do a bit of shoe experimentation, as well. And there’s no better way to experiment this fall than with one of the season’s most intriguing – but potentially most difficult to pull off – styles: the over-the-knee boot.

My top pick is by Frye, but I hate to shell out major cash for a shoe that qualifies as a trend. And the $500 Frye boot certainly qualifies as “major cash.” That’s why my top pick is this $120-pair by Naughty Monkey, available on Piperlime. I love the sculptural heel and slate gray color.

Miss Mojito wants to know: Is anyone else getting experimental with their shoes and cocktails this fall?

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Farm-girl glamour

Posted on October 26, 2010 by | 3 comments

Clearly, Ms. S&C is looking to glamourize farm life. (Or, maybe it is time for her to embrace her farm-girl roots?) First, she fell in love with this farm-girl chic look over on The Sartorialist. Then, she ran across these boots at Nine West (from the aptly named “Vintage American Collection”).

No, they are not authentic. They are not perfectly weathered from removing brush by the pond or hauling bales of hay. But, they are awesome, and she wants them. (Now, off to find the perfect utility coat to match!)

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Three (farm-related) things

Posted on October 21, 2010 by | 1 comment

Three quick things. All farm-related (sort-of).

(photo from The Sartorialist)

(1) Farmer’s Market Chic

Ms. S&C loves this farmer’s-market-chic-look. Perfect blue eyes (that match the shirt, that match the apron). Perfect use of the tie. Perfect hat. Perfect coat. Perfect rugged pants. Perfect weathered boots.

(photo from little brown pen)

(2) Applejack

Hello, fall produce. Ms. S&C is glad you’re here. Ms. S&C is also glad she recently came across Applejack (apple brandy) in her bookclub book “The Group.” Now, she must use it in a punch, in an Old-Fashioned, in something! (Especially if that something includes apple cider, fresh sliced apples, and maybe a dash of maple syrup?)

(3) Country-rock

The Flying Burrito Brothers: the Gram Parsons’ band that made country music cool — the band that made 70’s rock laid back — is in heavy rotation in the S&C household. Ms. S&C thinks you should listen to the “Hot Burritos” anthology album, particularly songs: Dark End of The Street, Hot Burrito #1, The Train Song, Image of Me, and their cover of Wild Horses.

The three things blog posts give Ms. S&C an opportunity to share a combination of shoe and cocktail-related finds, along with something else. That something else usually includes music or yoga.

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Back to (Black) Basics

Posted on October 18, 2010 by | 2 comments

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what many would argue is the penultimate staple of a girl’s wardrobe: the basic black pump. It’s a shoe that can dress up a pair of jeans and add the perfect polish to any work outfit. It can be difficult to find that perfect pair though – one that melds comfort, fashion and versatility. That’s why I think that a few different versions of the black pump are a wardrobe-must.

My personal preference is a round- or almond-shaped toe – I think it’s utterly feminine and flattering. That’s not to say that I turn up my nose at a pointy toe – I certainly have a couple of pairs in my closet – but I feel like the round toe has a certain classic longevity.

Here’s a quick look at my three favorite round-toe pumps.

This pair of Steve Madden Mary Janes is one that I turn to time and time again, and in fact have had to re-heel several times due to far too frequent wear and tear.

This pair by Rocket Dog has a slightly retro look thanks to the knot on top and the curve of the shoe. I’ve worn these to weddings and work – love the versatility factor!

The elevated platform and laser cut-outs elevate my latest acquisition, a Calvin Klein pair, from classic to super-special. I also love the heft in the 4.5-inch heels. This shoe is sure to quickly work its way into regular wardrobe rotation.

Miss Mojito wants to know: Am I the only one with a black pump obsession? Tell us about your personal faves!

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Talk me down

Posted on October 11, 2010 by | 2 comments

Can someone talk me out of these, please?

This J. Crew silk and wool dress isn’t perfect for fall, right? It probably wouldn’t look good with (black or brown) opaque tights and boots. It isn’t the grown-up glamour I talked about for my fall wardrobe. And, I’m sure it wouldn’t look good with my black booties, my new oxfords, or these Tory Burch riding boots.

I don’t need these quilted boots, do I? I mean, who wants this mixture of nylon and leather textures? And, who cares if they would look good with my skinny jeans and the plaid flannel shirt I just bought at Target? Plus, they wouldn’t go well with my brown corduroy mini… Oh, good grief.

Ms. S&C wants to know: What do you need her to talk you out of?

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Miss Mojito Meets Fall

Posted on October 6, 2010 by | 1 comment

Miss Mojito is finally at a stage where she can embrace fall in all its brisk glory. I’m ready to meet the season full of cheer, and for good reason. Fall is prime shopping time in the Mojito household, and this season in particular brings the perfect storm of colors, pieces and patterns that are calling my name. Those cold-weather staples that mark the start of a cool new season are some of my favorite shopping indulgences – and the reason that my checking account has taken a significant dip as of late. Here’s why.

Coats and Jackets
Cropped leather moto-jackets and luxe faux-leopard coats are haunting my dreams these days. I couldn’t resist a black pleather bomber-style jacket with an oversized shearling collar from H&M – and for $30, there was no need to resist! This Burberry Prorsum jacket is the original inspiration.

Sweaters
I’m stocking up on thin layering v-necks and cardigans, and am pining for some chunkier, sweater-coat style knits.

Hosiery
When the cold weather sets in, you’ll find me wearing tights six out of seven days a week! This season, I plan to invest in several patterned pairs in neutral shades. But I plan to take things up a notch by layering tights and delicate printed socks – a sheer, polka-dot pair is my favorite hosiery purchase so far, and they look lovely when peeking out of the top of. . .

Boots!
Here at S&C, it’s no surprise that I’m something of a boot addict. Fall always finds me lusting after boots galore. Lace-ups with chunky heels, like this pair by Deena & Ozzy from Urban Outfitters, hold a spot of honor on my wish list.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, sartorially speaking.

Miss Mojito wants to know: What’s on your fall fashion forecast?

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Three quick things: rain boots, beer, magazines

Posted on October 5, 2010 by | 1 comment

Three quick things.

(1) Hunter Rain Boots
A friend emailed saying she was on the lookout for a pair in orange or green. (And after all this rain, DC, aren’t we all?) PS: I kinda like the red ones for myself.

(2)  Punkin Ale
Our suitcases are hardly unpacked, and we still don’t have much food in the fridge, but you can find Dogfish Head’s Punkin Ale in the house. With its hints of pumpkin and brown sugar, I say: Hello, Fall.

(3) S&C Reading Material: The New Yorker
I just finished the September 20, 2010, issue of The New Yorker, and it is jam-packed with awesomeness. There’s an article about Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg (did you know he’s a huge fan of The West Wing?). The article on Mickey Drexler, J. Crew’s CEO, is pretty interesting (I love and hate that he uses an intercom). There’s a feature on a very cool fourteen year-old fashion (and very successful) blogger, Tavi Gevinson. And finally, there’s a short, funny segment on Pavement tickets (funny because, I, too, bought Pavement tickets many, many months ago, but smartly opted for Will Call).

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http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/09/20/100920fa_fact_widdicombe

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