Category Archives: Uncategorized

Camping

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We were fortunate to have our home sell quickly and as we were waiting to find our next home, we were in a pinch to find a roof for our heads! Fortunately, we have some amazing friends who were open to renting us their home since they’d recently moved to Nashville and have their Rome home on the market.

“Camping” is how we’ve referred to our temporary living situation, and if you know me, my idea of camping involves destinations like The Ritz Carlton or St. Regis. With 90% of our belongings (even some of my shoes) in storage, no matter how wonderful the house, it’s a challenge to make it feel like a home.

As we moved, I thought about the three things I love most in my home, and I decided those must come with me. Every Sunday, John makes a trip to Publix to buy me fresh hydrangeas, so packing a vase for fresh flowers was essential. I buy Capri Blue Volcano scented candles from Anthropologie in bulk and burn them daily. These are my favorite candles and come in a variety of glass holders. And going back to my love for five-star hotels, freshly starched and pressed linens are one of my love languages. There is nothing more luxurious than slipping under crop, Egyptian cotton sheets.

Give these three tips a try for making any space feel like home.

Simple

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Casual is not my usual. I feel awkward in flats – there’s just something about heels that make me feel pulled together. These inexpensive wedges by Madeline Girl are sure to be a staple as I transition my wardrobe into fall. A white blouse keeps it simple, but is a step up from a white t-shirt and jeans.

Top: Zara (similar here); Jeans: AG; Shoes: Madeline Girl (available here); Sunglasses: Tom Ford; Necklace: Gifted

Cheers

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I love brunch. And what goes better with brunch than a mimosa? It’s simple – foolproof, really. And it’s fun to serve company.

The Champagne: For starters, buy a nice, dry champagne. I prefer to Vueve Cliquot if I’m treating myself to a Saturday morning brunch. You can find a lovely Prosecco for around $15, but don’t lower your standards. Anything below $10, and you’ll end your lovely brunch with a headache.

The Orange Juice: Fresh squeezed, please. My grandmother always squeezed orange juice for me when I spent the night with her. It’s still a favorite memory, and there’s a reason for that. It was special – it took time. And feeling special is exactly what we want a guest in our home to feel.

The Blend: Equal parts champagne and orange juice are key. Add the champange first, then the juice. This allows the beverage to mix on its own and eliminates a sticky mess. And for the love of all things bubbly, please do not stir! Your bubbles will pop – and the only pop should come from the opening of another bottle of champagne! I prefer to add a splash of Grand Marnier to my mimosas – so experiment in your kitchen, too!

Chill Out: The absolute worst way to serve a mimosa is warm. Keep your champagne and juice cold and pour them up just as you are ready to serve your guests!

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Photo 1: Barnsley Garden Resort / Dress: Lilly Pulitzer; Clutch: JCrew Factory; Sunglasses: Target

Photo 2: Bergdorf Goodman / Sunglasses: Tom Ford; Scarf: Johnny Was

On Hiatus

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ImageHello. Have we met before? I’m Ali. The blogger chick who really loves new finds, but abandoned said blog and her followers since mid-July. Awful. Seriously awful. I’ve missed you!

Here’s the deal. Sister landed a new job! A job I began on July 2nd, and since then life has been off the charts busy…busy in a good way, of course! My desk is always a mess; the work of a genius right? I’ve got non-profit work galore and a nearing “Follies” production that is consuming life. Still, there’s nothing I’d change. J also started a new job the week before I began mine, so we’ve been adjusting to new schedules and learning curves. So much has happened over the last four months, but I’m skipping those details; otherwise I’d be writing for days. I’m back, and I’m renewing the commitment I made when I started Oh So Ali. My deepest appreciation to those of you who follow.

I look forward to returning from my blogging hiatus. More to come, I promise. 

xx

A

new orleans style

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I love the French for many reasons…their style, their bread and the fact that many settled in Louisiana bringing the praline recipe along with them. Original recipes from the 1600’s in Europe contained almonds, but French settlers adapted the recipe with pure cane sugar and pecans. There are many variations to pralines, but the New Orleans style is by far my favorite. Typically using milk, the New Orleans praline has a fudge-like texture opposed to the European or Belgian nougat.

I decided to call on the Praline Queen, my mother, for her praline version. Her recipe uses a bit of salt, which is the perfect combination to me. The rich sweetness (Hello! 5 cups of sugar AND condensed milk!) is offset with the sprinkle of salt. We’ve enjoyed this recipe my entire life, and after finally making them myself, I was pleasantly surprised to find they’re not quite an intimidating as I always imagined.

5 cups granulated sugar / 5 cups pecan halves / 1 cup butter / 1 cup milk / 1 – 14.5 oz can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk / 1 Tablespoon Salt / 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract / Wooden spoon

In a deep boiler, combine sugar, butter, milk and condensed milk. Bring to a rolling boil. Add pecans and stir continuously for 20 minutes. You will likely need to reduce your heat to keep the mixture for popping out on you. Make sure to stir the entire  20 minutes. Remove from heat. Add salt and vanilla extract and beat. Let cool for only a minute or two. Then spoon onto greased (with butter) wax paper. Let cool until hardened.

Casual Friday

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Casual Friday

Woolrich chambray shirt
$59 – woolrich.com

Vero Moda red jacket
€50 – welikefashion.com

Chloé pleated pants
$550 – barneys.com

Dorothy Perkins high heels
$57 – dorothyperkins.com

Reed Krakoff leather tote
$1,090 – mytheresa.com

Kate Spade bib necklace
$148 – couture.zappos.com

Kenneth cole watch
$115 – zappos.com

Tom ford sunglasses
£309 – farfetch.com

Isabel Marant leather belt
£60 – net-a-porter.com

When We Speak

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The first Thanksgiving I lived in New York, my family came into the city to spend the holiday. We, of course, watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and feasted in my small apartment on our family’s traditional Thanksgiving meal. We toured the entire city in the five days my mom, dad, brother and sister-in-law were visiting. While I have many wonderful memories of that special holiday, there’s one that always stands out – our entrance into St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As we stepped in off the busy Fifth Avenue sidewalk, we were welcomed by the angelic choir singing Amazing Grace. The music moved me to tears, and since then, any trip to or by St. Patrick’s reminds me of the need to find simplicity in the busiest of days.

Last Sunday morning, I left my hotel early in the morning to take a quiet stroll to Central Park before brunch. There’s nothing like NYC early on a Sunday Morning. The streets are quiet and the sidewalks are abandoned. With the millions of people living in New York, a Sunday morning can feel like the streets of a quaint town. As I made my way up Fifth Avenue, I saw members of St.Patrick’s as well as a number of tourists walking into the cathedral. I, too, joined them to flood myself with memories of a beloved landmark in our country.

As I crossed from the West to East side of the street, I looked up to see a very moving sign, which is part of the restoration campaign of St. Patrick’s. St. Patrick’s was paid for through the contributions of poor immigrants and prominent citizens. The cornerstone was laid in 1858 and her doors were opened in 1879. Plans are now in place for interior and exterior preservation of this gerat cathedral. You, too, can be a part of Restoring St. Patrick’s Cathedral by visiting here.

Let’s Talk About Food!

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The weekend in New York was simply perfect, and I took advantage of so much the city has to offer. I’ll tell you all about my shopping extravaganza later on because, right now, I want to talk about food. I ate my way through New York. There’s no question about it. From Greek Cuisine to afternoon tea, food was the highlight of my weekend (aside from a few splurges for my closet, of course)! I was so happy to share these delicious meals with friends that are so dear to my heart. These are a few of my favorites from the weekend…

 

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