This past weekend I was in Florida visiting one of my best friends and her family. I love staying with them for many reasons, but a few are at the top of my list:

1. Happy Hour always starts at 5pm (or earlier), no matter what day it is or where we are.

2. They have great snacks because there is a 4-year-old in the house. 

3. Chef Brad. He makes the best breakfast sandwich (aka the Brad McMuffin) and now makes the best homemade pizza.

When I arrived in Florida, my friend Paige and I hit up Publix for a few things and, of course, the wine supply for the weekend. Our pick for the night was Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. It was perfect for hanging out and went nicely with the pizza we had for dinner. 

I love to cook but it’s always nice to have someone else cook for you. Pizza a la Brad was so good, I had to share the recipe with you all. 

Pizza ala Brad 

• Pizza dough (Get a ball of dough from you local pizzeria or supermarket. We got our from Whole Foods.)
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes 
• 2 garlic cloves
• Oregano
• Crushed red pepper
• Green pepper (sliced)
• Mushrooms (sliced) 
• Spicy turkey sausage (out of the casing) 
• Mozzarella cheese 
• Sugar and salt (to taste)

Set oven to 350 degrees.

Empty contents of tomatoes into a bowl and crush.

Finely chop garlic and add to tomatoes in a sauce pan. Add a pinch of red pepper and cook for 10 minutes. Add sugar and salt to taste.

In a saute pan, cook sausage until browned. Remove from pan. Add peppers and saute to soften. 

Take dough and press into a pizza pan. Sprinkle with oregano and bake in oven for 10 minutes. 

Take pizza out of oven and top with sauce, cheese, peppers, mushrooms and sausage. Bake until crust starts to brown and cheese is all nice and melty.

Take pizza out and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. 

Pour some more wine (or grab a beer) and enjoy!

Thanks Brad (and Paige) for an amazing dinner. I’ll be back soon. Mwah! 

Can you believe Memorial Day weekend is here? It was definitely a long, hard winter and we’re all ready for a little fun in the sun! Of course that fun comes along with lots and lots of sunscreen—but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be pale. Self-tanner (and the occasional splurge on a professional spray tan) is a must for me come summer, and here are my picks for getting a gorgeous golden faux glow.

(Top row)

About a month ago, the beauty world was abuzz about Josie Maran’s Self-Tanning Body Wash—and the fact that is was only available for one day on QVC. Well, the sense of urgency got to us and we bought it. And it’s amazing. (Try to find it on eBay.)

As the weather starts to warm up, I like to get darker gradually as opposed to being pasty one day and a bronzed goddess the next. Xen-Tan Transform Luxe delivers subtle color over the course of a week (and it smells delicious!). Then I use it every few days to maintain my faux color.

(Bottom row)

I actually just ordered Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse because I have to see if it really lasts 2-3 weeks. The thought of not having to worry about my color for that long could be major.

OK, Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil isn’t a self-tanner, but it’s great for when my legs need an instant boost. It’s not too heavy or too shimmery, it simply does the trick when I’m wearing shorts or a skirt.

Let’s face it, I’m not a self-tanning professional so every now and then I find a few streaks. (Or a random spot on my arm that I have no idea how it happened.) The Bronze Buffer is a cute little sponge that wipes away my mistakes with just a little water. It’s a total self-tanner lifesaver. 

I love a good glass of wine (as we know) but in the spring and summer, I love making a pitcher of sangria to enjoy with my friends. Last night I met my friend Zach for one of our quick drink catchup sessions. The sun was out and rather than getting my usual glass of wine, I got a glass of white sangria. It made me happy and got me all excited for summer.

I thought I’d share my two go-to recipes that are a hit every time I make them. Check out Martha Stewart Red Sangria and Michael Chiarello Sparkling Sangria… I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

Cheers!

Now that spring has officially sprung, this can only mean one thing: New shoes! I’ve stowed my sweaters and heavy coats and my warm-weather wardrobe is front and center in in my closet, but naturally I could use a little accessory update. Here, the shoes I’m coveting for the new season…

1. Every gal needs a good wedge, and this feminine, floral lace espadrille by Steve Madden works with everything from dresses to jeans. 

2. These strappy J. Crew flats toe the line between fancy and edgy—which is why I love them so much.

3. These Jimmy Choo booties are so hot to trot, I can’t control myself. (And I didn’t, which is why they are now living in my closet.)

4. I’ve been to “visit” these Chanel espadrilles a few times over the past few weeks, and every time there are at least 5 women like me asking for the same shoe. Good luck finding them! Thanks to an inside connection of mine, these will probably be the next shoes I bring home!

5. Hot pink and studs and sky-high heels, oh my! I’m beyond in love with these Valentino pumps.

What’s your spring “sole” mate? Do tell!

My latest from Club W was Chispas Garnacha Tempranillo 2010. This amazing rosé was perfect for sipping this past weekend when the weather was nice out. A Spanish rosé, it was wonderful with the roasted almonds I have in a candy dish—and was even better when I kicked things up for dinner.

Rosé goes well with a variety of foods, especially spicy shellfish. I made a quick shrimp fra diavolo with sautéed broccoli and just relaxed at home with this beautiful bottle. The mix of heat from the shrimp with the cool rosé was a perfect pairing.  Only one more bottle left to try in my wine box and then we’ll get next month’s! Happy Wine Day! Cheers!

The temperatures are warming up, and New York was in full bloom this weekend. I finally felt comfortable putting my winter coat away and moving my spring coats forward. Yesterday, I celebrated spring’s arrival with my favorite Sunday breakfast: A bagel, lox and cream cheese with an iced tea and then I wandered through Central Park. Here are a few pictures of New York through my eyes.