Nambé at Macy's

Recognized for its award-winning designs for more than 60 years, Nambé’s commitment to timeless beauty, artistic integrity, and uncompromising quality is evident in the brand’s collection of serveware, barware, home décor and gift items. I'm sure you've seen them and might not have even realized! Nambé collaborates with the world’s most esteemed designers to develop products that bring function and style into the home. From The British Museum in London to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Nambé pieces are exhibited in renowned galleries around the world. What to do after you have already achieved such accolades? Well, keep going... Nambé is now partnering with Macys  to bring a stylish, sophisticated line of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings to you. Working with designer Carolyn Pollack (pictured below) they are offering a line of timeless and unique accessories (also pictured below) that were created with the stylish woman in mind. Even better, everything from the line is made here in America, New Mexico to be exact. Most importantly, all the items for Nambé at Macys will be available at a reasonable price especially considering the quality, luxury, and design aesthetic that goes into each piece.

Photo credit: Kent Miller Studios for Macy’s Inc.

Photo credit: Kent Miller Studios for Macy’s Inc.

A photo posted by Iris (@260daysnorepeats) on Oct 18, 2016 at 6:25pm PDT

Photo Credit: Kent Miller Studios for Macy’s Inc.

Getting (Back) Into A Routine

This might come as a huge surprise but, routine is a big part of what makes my daily life function at peak efficiency. Shocker, I know... While I don't have every moment accounted for there are things I do at certain points in the day and on certain days of the week that help everything to flow without hiccups. For example, we all know about how critical mornings are but, I digress... That being said, when things get off track with my normal routine, however regimented it is or isn't,  there are immediate and sometimes inescapable ripples that taint the overall order of operations in my everyday life. Those effects can be difficult to overcome for a number of reasons both logistical and emotional; "How am I going to fit this back into my schedule?" "How did I left myself get out of this habit?" "I'm the worst..." I feel like you might know what I'm talking about. When that happens what are your tricks for getting back to your routine? Well, when I find myself in that situation, as I have before, the only thing there is to do is get back to it. Rudimentary? Yes. True? Also, yes! While it can be challenging, to say the least, to accomplish a return to previously established routines or habits successfully, the process can be easier if you approach it strategically.

• Simplify - What exactly are you trying to achieve? While there might be books you want to read, blog posts you want to write, languages you want to learn, events you want to go to, gym classes you want to stomp, culinary masterpieces you want to add to your repertoire, etc. you have to be realistic about what you can commit to and hone in on the things that are of highest priority. Don't overwhelm yourself trying to do it all, add new goals gradually as you accomplish others. 

A photo posted by Iris (@260daysnorepeats) on Jul 27, 2012 at 12:49pm PDT

• Be Patient - Let's be real. It takes (on average) 30 days of doing the same thing repeatedly to form a habit. In order to stick with your routine you have to be gentle with yourself. Remind yourself that you are still in the process of learning/getting better at whatever you are working towards. Don't expect everything to happen overnight and if takes longer that you expect that's okay. 
• Reward - Do you remember when you were younger and got rewarded for good behavior? Well it's time to treat yourself like a kid and give yourself a pat on the back; treat yourself to a fancy manicure, or whatever floats your boat when you stick with your routine. Frankly, if you are just churning away going to the gym, eating healthier, or doing your DuoLingo without reward it isn't going to stick. Reinforcing those good habits continuously will help you keep up with it.

A photo posted by Iris (@260daysnorepeats) on Sep 19, 2016 at 10:39am PDT

• Keep It Going - Just because you managed to reach your first, second, or fifteenth milestone doesn't mean you should rest on your laurels and stop tracking what you are doing/rewarding yourself for that job well done. I know, from experience, that if you do you will fall off the proverbial bandwagon and be faced with a similar challenge when you try to get back into a routine again. 

A photo posted by Iris (@260daysnorepeats) on Nov 9, 2013 at 11:00am PST

• Stuff Happens - That being said, sometimes things happen that cannot be planned for and you have to bite the bullet getting back to your routine. Hiccups along the way are to be expected even if you can't always plan for them. See the second bullet above and be patient with yourself again and give yourself a pat on the back for the small successes. The only thing to do at that point is keep moving forward with your goals in mind. 

To Do: Magnum Ice Cream Bar Pop Up Shop

I LOVE ice cream! Yes, more than you... for an after dinner treat, reward for a job well done, or Saturday morning breakfast a snack at the beach/park/pool there is nothing better than ice cream. Recently, when I was in SoHo for dinner with a friend I passed by a store front with Magnum Ice Cream logos outside. You know, the wonderfully decadent ice cream bars at the grocery store that come encased in the most luscious chocolate. I was intrigued but, sadly, I couldn't stop in because I didn't want us to miss out on our reservation. Of course, I needed to know more; enter internet research! I was pleased to learn that what I had passed by was actually a make your own Magnum Ice Cream bar pop-up shop for the summer! Yes, let's all freak out about it together. Apparently, Magnum Ice Cream has been rolling out temporary make your own pop up pop shops like this around the world but, this is the first in the United States. When Hubby and I were heading out for date night, last Friday, this experience had to be dinner part of the equation. Yummy (non ice cream) dinner? Check. Wandering around SoHo looking at interesting street art? Check, (hello, #lovewall.) Delicious make your own ice cream concoctions? You bet!

When we went in I was surprised by the lack of a line or crowds in general. Don't get me wrong, there were people there but, not throngs of crazed ice cream lovers like me. Before they burst out from wherever they were hiding I approached the counter tentatively. I, honestly, wasn't sure where to start my Magnum pop up shop experience (at the cash register on the left so you can pay first) but, the staff was very helpful and ushered us forward. You start with a choice of chocolate or vanilla (no added hormone) ice cream, then comes the fun part. You pick three toppings from the assortment of over twenty different choices like chopped nuts, Himalayan sea salt, espresso sugar, or rose petals. Lastly your ice cream bar assistant will dip your bar in white, milk, or dark Belgian chocolate. While it cools they shake up your topping choices and then methodically sprinkle them over your waiting ice cream bar. They then finish it with another drizzle of chocolate and little chocolate M token.

Despite the overwhelming amount of choices we managed to make important ice cream decisions. Hubby got chocolate ice cream with espresso sugar, cookie crumble, hazelnut crunch, and a white chocolate drizzle. I got vanilla ice cream with chocolate covered sunflowers seeds, Himalayan pink salt, white chocolate covered rice crisp, and a white chocolate drizzle. Since there weren't hoards of people we were even able to take a seat and to enjoy our creations. Yum!  

So, make time and run, don't walk, to the Magnum Ice Cream bar pop-up shop in SoHo at 134 Prince Street, between Wooster Street and West Broadway. Their hours of operation are 12pm-8pm Sunday-Wednesday and 12pm-9pm Thudsay-Saturday from now until mid-August.  I will be heading back soon, as well, and we might bump into each other. Why? Because I need to try every permutation of deliciousness possible before the season ends and they close.

I was NOT compensated for this post the opinions are all my own.

Brunch Best Practices/Avocado Toast

Weekends mean freedom from work, time to relax, and a chance to get some chores out of the way... Weekends in spring and summer are even better! Why? Because, the time we spend relaxing is feels longer with the sun setting later and later; even chores can feel less mundane... One of the best things about the weekend, in my opinion, is the opportunity to eat the magical in between meal that is brunch. Heading out to one of the many restaurants nearby that serves brunch is simple enough. I might be a little spoiled though, as most restaurants in the vicinity of New York City have next level brunch menus. Patrons will come year round and resign themselves to the hostesses whim waiting for a table or for their full party to show so they can be seated and not lose what their coveted reservation. In the summer it's even crazier/nicer without door tables and the opportunity to eat al fresco. While brunch in Manhattan is a New York City institution, most of the times the experience is marred by long lines, watered-down cocktails, and heat lamp eggs. Yuck! Which of course leads me to to wonder, "Why not do this at home?"

You can absolutely achieve the same delicious amalgam of breakfast and lunch at home. It's lovely when you can have a few friends over to enjoy it with you. You don't have to send out formal invitations, a quick email/evite or text message will do. Also, It doesn't have to be an extravagant affair; you can find stylish coordinating tablecloths, napkins, and place mats at bargain stores like Christmas Tree Shops or Home Goods. Most of the items shown on my most recent impromptu brunch table come from the former...   

A brunch menu is always very eclectic but, I find egg based meals to be the most popular overall. An uncomplicated scrambled egg and bacon or sausage or tofu chorizo with toast is always a winner. Which would you prefer? In terms of what I served this time around it seemed appropriate to put together the most popular brunch item right now; that's right I am talking about avocado toast. There are many different variations of avocado toast but, I like to keep it simple.

While everything is better with bacon, I feel like I don't have to explain the process of cooking it but, here is what my version of avocado toast looks like...

Ingredients:

(serves 5)

• 10 slices of bread (gluten free if preferred)
• 10 eggs 
• 3/4 ripe avocados 
• cilantro

Place all the eggs in a sauce pan, cover with water, and bring to a boil.

While the water is getting to boiling temperature slice open the avocados and scoop out the insides into a medium bowl with a spoon, discard the skin and pits. Mash the avocado until it is a spreadable texture and set aside. 

Also while the water is getting a boiling temperature rise the cilantro and pat dry. Separate some leaves and set aside. 

When the water reaches a rolling boil set a timer to 4 minutes and lower the flame to medium high. That is approximately how long it takes an extra large egg to reach a medium boiled state but, this is to you preference; maybe you want them a little more or less done.

While the eggs are boiling start toasting your slices of bread.

When the timer goes off immediately remove the eggs and drain the boiling water. Fill the pot with cold water so you can start peeling the eggs. When all the eggs are peeled it is time to start making your avocado toasts!

Take a piece of toast an spread avocado on it. Take cilantro leaves and sprinkle them on top to taste. Using an egg slicer slice one egg and spread the slices over your avocado and cilantro. Sprinkle liberally with salt.

Repeat and Refect and Enjoy!

I was NOT compensated for this post the opinions are all my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Happy Memorial Day