Jewelry Crush: DANNIJO

It's no secret that Dannijo is one of the top names in stand-out jewelry.  With long sleeves making an appearance - it's time to take the focus off of arm candy and grab some "look at me" necklaces to deck out basic fall sweaters and dresses.

The collar craze is huge right now - and Dannijo makes it easy to pull off. This Pacey necklace goes with everything. (www.dannijo.com, $695)

Not willing to take such a fashion risk? The bib style is classic yet grabs attention.  Dannijo's colorful Kiedis necklace is at the top of my wishlist. (www.dannijo.com, $570)

Need a statement piece for the office? The Knox is an elegant addition to any outfit and can easily be taken from day to night. (www.dannijo.com, $420)

Founded in 2008 by Danielle and Jodie Snyder, all Dannijo pieces are hand-made in NYC. Each piece includes a part of their eclectic, unique personalities. The line is sold in high-end boutiques around the world. As a celebrity favorite, the pieces are featured frequently in top magazines and TV shows. 

xx

Lu

Back to Blogging

This year has been busy, to say the least. The long haitus from updating this blog has been due to a busy schedule, lots of summer writing for Social Life Magazine, the stresses of moving into a new apartment and fortunately a lot of traveling.

Finally, I have the time to get back into Votre Lu.

Quick update: In my last post (New Years, 2012), I talked about how 2011 was a year of change. 2012 has been stable and wonderful. A few great trips to various places around the US has allowed me to spend quality time with great friends and family. I've continued to fall even more head over heals in love with New York City and couldn't be happier with all of the experiences I've been lucky enough to have while living here.

Happy blogging!
Laura

New Year, New Beginnings

2011 was a year of change for me.  I graduated from school in Boston and moved to New York City where a new job and old friends welcomed me.  My long-term relationship ended and I quickly had to adjust to life as a single gal in the city.  Throughout all of this I've learned to let the small things go, focus on good memories, and keep a positive outlook.

Although I expect 2012 to bring fewer changes, I couldn't be more excited for the year ahead.  I'll still be living and working in New York, and the rest is unknown.

Last month I lost my grandfather, an extremely kind and funny man that I was lucky enough to grow up and spend plenty of time with.  He passed unexpectedly, but thankfully I was able to see him in November.  My New Years resolutions are in honor of him.  Here are a few of his characteristics and beliefs that I'll focus on carrying with me throughout the year.


Try to see the positive in every situation

Never lose faith

Make jokes and laugh, very often

Always appreciate what you have

Be kind

Forgive


Most of all, I'll remember how he saw me in such a positive light and how proud he was of me.  This year is about trying to live up to that every day.

Happy New Year!

L

Pumpkin Perfection

After waking up early this morning ready for a day of errands, a bike ride, and shopping - I quickly realized it would be much less eventful once I saw the snow falling outside of my window.

Instead of sleeping all day (although it was very tempting), I decided to head out to get coffee, buy Milly a present, stop for last minute Halloween costume accessories and pick up some baking ingredients!  There were plenty of guys and gals on the streets walking home in their costumes from last night, but nobody looked as adorable as Milly in her new rain jacket (she disagrees).

Since it's Halloween weekend, I figured I'd bake something festive for the occasion! These little pumpkin pie bites are fun and simple to make (and very easy to pack up to share with friends tonight).

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin pie filling
8 oz cream cheese
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (mix of nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 pie crusts
mini-cupcake pans

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and cut three inch circles out of the pie crust (I pressed the bottom of the pumpkin pie filling into the pie crust to make perfect circles).  Push the circles of pie crust down into the pans and start mixing all of the ingredients.  Stir the cream cheese, pie filling, spices, vanilla, and eggs until smooth and spoon into each of the pie crusts.  Bake for 15 minutes and enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!

Saturday Delights

Last night, I opted for staying in, getting to sleep early, and preparing for a fun-filled Saturday. A few things that I'm looking forward to enjoying today:

1. New Rebecca Minkoff Heavy Metal Tote. For the past 5 years, I have been using my big brown Longchamp bag every day to hold books, folders, etc. The zipper has been broken for two months and there are holes in both corners. I finally gave up when I saw this bag on sale at My Habit. The sale is over, but the bag can still be found here.

2. Apple Cider Donuts. Enough said...will post recipe soon.

3. Heirloom Squash - buying lots of these to decorate the apartment today.

4. Pumpkin Carving Kit....this year will be year that I don't mess up another pumpkin.

5. Gifted Christopher Fischer Scarf. It's 50% cashmere and 50% silk with a crinkled texture (making it even more comfortable). So thankful for this! On sale here.