Saturdays At Shop This: Being Present

{ Via: ZsaZsa Bellagio }

Apologies for being missing in action, but Ms. Shop This came to town and brought that wonderful fiancé of hers, Steve. Like you, I have been busy in the best of ways. Christmas for most of us, is about finding the perfect "present." But my daughter taught me a lovely lesson this week. She asked me to  just "Be Present," for Christmas. Apparently I worked too much over Thanksgiving, and she felt my absence, even though I was here every moment. If we look within, we'll find that all of us just want to "be" with our loved ones. What's inside those beautiful boxes is a bonus. The best Christmas gift of all, is giving of ourselves. So that's where I have been, and will be until December 28th. Here's some last minute links I think you'll love.

We'll begin with one of the best Holiday Shipping deals of all. Neiman Marcus is offering Free Overnight Delivery if ordered by Noon today. Use Code: NMQuick.
 Thank's Neiman's!
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Another helpful service comes to us from Nordstrom. If you are near a brick and mortar store, Order on line and pick it up at the store, with curbside delivery. You don't even have to get outside of the car. This service begins at 8:00 AM and goes through December 24th.
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This Baked Eggnog French Toast looks fabulous for Christmas morning. Best yet, you make it the night before. See the recipe at 
Williams Sonoma
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Still looking for a Christmas Eve or Day entree or dessert?  Click here for the best Christmas Dinner, Drinks & Dessert ideas.
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What are you wearing New Year's Eve? Sachin & Babi is offering 25% off fabulous Holiday Reds. They are all so party perfect!
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If your New Years resolution is to eat healthier, you will want to pre-order this book now. Gwyneth Paltrow's The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal.
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With "Gift Now" you are never too late for a gift. Read all about it at Neiman Marcus. I use it all of the time.
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Gift your home with something fabulous from the Serena & Lily Tent Sale. You will find a stylish selection of products up to 70% off.
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So Meg's Steve wants to make up Mulled Wine for Christmas. This recipe sounds perfect, especially with the extra shot of Liqueur. 
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And lastly, speaking of wine. The Ullo Wine Purifier is what to gift your favorite wine afficiando. I have been using it for 9 months. It's fabulous for filtering out the perservatives and sulphites that are in wine. It also aerates your wine, if you wish. Amazon Prime will get it to you before Christmas.

May your holiday sparkle, and your heart be filled with the love of family and friends.
Merry-Kissmas

~ Deb ~
Shop This

Elegant New Years Eve Dinner Recipes

( Via: Megan Hess )

The last meal of any year deserves to be special. The above tablescape by Megan Hess is filled with glam details, like couture linens and gilded plates. Your menu should shine, too! Today we begin with champagne cocktails to toast the New Year.  Followed by elevated appetizers like Pear, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Pizza. You'll find elegant entrees and stunning sides. Of course, I haven't forgotten about dessert. Scroll down to find the perfect happy ending for your elegant meal.



HERE: 23 Special Recipes

Champagne Cocktail
"It’s amazing how an Angostura bitters-soaked sugar cube can transform Champagne into an incredible cocktail."
Food and Wine 

Blackberry Ombre Sparkler
What a stunning sip!
The Cookie Rookie  

Pear & Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
How very festive! Like a Mimosa but even better. You make your own cranberry pear puree to mix with the bubbly.
Minimalist Baker 

Champagne Ice Cubes
Something I had not thought of. This is how you keep Mimosas and other champagne drinks really chilled without diluting the flavor.
Town and Country Magazine

~ Appetizers ~  

Ahi & Mango Tuna Tartare
When I feel like celebrating, this is what I order. This is a low fat, low calorie recipe. I'm making it this year!
Clean Eating Magazine

Pear Prosciutto And Gorgonzola Pizza
This is a grown up pizza. The flavor combinations sound fabulous to me. Sweet and savory is always a perfect pairing.
Recipe Runner  

Crispy Potato Chive Pancakes with Smoked Salmon- 
{ Gluten, Dairy and Egg Free }
Oh my goodness! How beautiful are these bites? I am sure that they taste even better than they look. The little pancakes are actually filled with mashed potatoes!
Heather Christo 

Cranberry Maple Baked Brie
Doesn't this sound delicious? I used frozen Puffed Pastry for the first time at Thanksgiving. Easy-peasy! 
Will Cook For Smiles

~  Entrees  ~ 

Prime Rib Roast with Champagne Horseradish Cream
In my view, the perfect special occasion entree!  It all begins with a beautiful cut of meat.
Food And Wine

Lobster Fra Diavolo
"Mr. Shop This" would just love this dish. Anything that features San Marzano tomatoes and a cup of brandy, gets my New Years Eve nod!
Bon Appétit  

Pancetta Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
A tenderloin of pork always seems a bit special, even though it is super easy to prepare. This recipe is both stunning and simple. 
Half Baked Harvest   

Sake Sea Bass in Parchment
I have to admit. I have never cooked anything in parchment. Have you? The advantage is that the food steams in it's own juices. This recipe includes a heady combination of sake, soy sauce, and ginger.
Gourmet 

Beef Cheek Bourguignon
I have had Beef cheeks only once. It was a Christmas extravaganza at The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. I have to say, it was the most tender beef I have ever had. It's not something most of us have often. New Years Eve would be the perfect time to make it. It's quite the impressive dish!
Gourmet Traveller

~ Side Dishes ~   

The Easiest Sexiest Salad In The World
Jamie says: “Trust me, this fig salad recipe will blow your socks off – it's beautifully creamy, sweet and salty. ” It only takes 10 minutes to put together, people!
Jamie Oliver 

Alex Hitz's Oyster Stew
One of my favorite things! The secret to this recipe? Salted butter. That is unusual to me. And make sure you use the oyster "liquor" in the recipe. It adds a nice touch.
House Beautiful  

Crispy Cheesy Potato Stacks
No matter what you are serving, pair it with these potatoes! You bake them in muffin tins.
Half Baked Harvest 

Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is one of the best pairings with grilled meats. This recipe calls for both Parmigiano-Reggiano and Mascarpone Cheese, which add to the complex flavor of this colorful dish. Heavy cream finishes it.
Leites Culinaria 

~ Desserts ~ 

Rosé Sorbet
With just 4 ingredients (including the sprig of mint), anyone can make this special pink confection. All you need is an electric ice cream maker. Pretty, right?
How Sweet Eats

Chocolate Pear Tartlets
This pretty pear recipe comes from the Mother/Daughter duo founders of The Cook’s Atelier.  It is a bit complicated, but as you can see, the end result is impressive.
Williams Sonoma  

Brandy Snaps With Lemon Cream And Berries
Oh there is nothing like fresh lemon curd! It's not difficult at all to make. This recipe can be made ahead of time and put together right before guests arrive.
Gourmet Traveller 

Chocolate Whiskey Souffle
I can not think of a finer way to end a special meal than with this ooey gooey sophisticated recipe! I mean, chocolate and booze?
Gourmet Traveller 

Spiked Egg Nog Ice Cream
I would add a little brandy sauce on top of this dish. I love to drink my dessert don't you? 
I'm Bored Let's Go



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Holiday Cocktail Party Recipes, Details & Host Gifts

The Life Of The Party

Christmas is now another memory, and I hope yours was special. There is still some celebrating to do, however. Be the girl that knows how to kick up her heels and get down. Since one of the biggest party nights of the season, New Years Eve, is upon us, a little prep wouldn't hurt. Get the party started on the right foot with Christian Louboutin's Follies Lace Pumps at Barney's  or Bergdorf Goodman

11 Ways To Be The Life Of The Party

Caviar Chic
Caviar adds the luxe life to any party, whether you are eating it or enjoying it.  These bracelets are so stacked with style. Serving Caviar at any party will ensure that your guests have a great time. Pop for Petrossian at Saks. Bracelets at
Neiman Marcus

Cheers!
The life of the party always gives a great toast, and can write one on a whim and a napkin! See how to pen your own witty words inside Kate Spade's latest book "All In Good Taste." Makes a haute hostess gift, too.

Here's Looking At You

The life of the party knows how to decorate and/or gift with unexpected flair.  Fornasetti Candles are actually works of art. 

Nordstrom

Glitter Rimming Sugar
Speaking of drinks and toasts, if you are hosting, elevate your cocktails with gold and bronze glitter sugar. I've read somewhere that a girl should always leave a little glitter wherever she goes. 
 Dell Cove Spices at Etsy

Speaking Of Glitter
No matter how you are bringing in the New Year - casual chic style or in la-di da "turn it up" fashion, these Kate Spade party shoes are made for danc'n. 
Zappos Couture

Go Ahead, Toot Your Own Horn
Party horns are a dime a dozen, unless you are looking for something fringed and fabulous. This set of haute horns will bring the New Year in with style.
Food 52

Glamorous NYE Outfit Ideas For The Non-Sequin Set
Dare to go bare, without sequins, that is. If twinkling like a disco ball is not your thing, The Window at Barney's has six great outfit ideas that are on the demure side of glitz.
Barney's New York

Kissy Face

So the life of the party simply must prepare her pout for the kisses she will steal as the clock strikes midnight. Find perfect products like Kaplan MD’s Lip 20 Mask, Lancer’s Volume Enhancing Lip Serum and more 

Sephora

Sock It To Them!

One rule of being the life of the party is to give them something to talk about. These "Feather Forecast" stockings do the trick.  How fun!

Nasty Gal

Fancy Another?
Even the liveliest party girl needs a night in every once in a while. Be the life of your own party with Kate Spade's "Fancy Another" Serving Tray
 Zhush

Most Of All....
The life of the party is just herself. As for all the glam and gorgeousness, she gives it all a wink and a nod. She knows that it is what's inside that counts!

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Happy Hosting: It's All About The Details

Party Prepared: Host & Hostess Gifts

Goodbye 2014!

Goodbye 2014! 

It has been quite a year, and boy did it go by fast. I guess it really is true that "time flies when you are having fun," and I do. My life has been a piece of cake compared to many of my friends who have suffered losses and have battled health issues. I love you all and admire your inner strength.

A big "thank you" to all of my readers for supporting my little corner of the Internet. I love the kind comments, notes of encouragement, clicks and shopping assignments. It is because of you that I have so much fun doing my "so called" job. I mean, shopping for a living isn't exactly a hardship, but it can be a challenge.  For my last blog post of the year, I send my very best to you all for a .......

Here: A Few Of My Favorite Posts From 2014:

Mini Me Couture: Big Style For Little People, Hello Autumn! A Season In Color,  Spotlight On Serena and Lily,

All Eyes On New York! Spring 2015 NYFW,  Wedding Wednesday: A Pretty Pink Palette,  Brighten Up With Neon,  Glamour In The Garden,   Slow Good: Slow Cooker Cuisine - Recipes And More,  Canine Couture: Chic And Cozy Finds For Your Best Friend, National Nude Day: Show Some Skin(tone)!

~ Champagne Wishes ~

Can you ever have too much champagne? My mind says no, but my body says yes!

Why does Scar Jo have all the fun? I know I could be just darling playing this part.

"Always keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge for special occasions. Sometimes the special occasion is that you’ve got a bottle of champagne in the fridge.”

-Hester Brown

Yes Sirree! That's my Motto!

~ Champagne and Sparkles ~

Two of my favorite things!

Why, yes, Sir, I'll have a glass (with Xtina and GaGa)

Come on over to my place - gloves optional.

Go ahead, celebrate! Swing from the chandelier.

I always wanted a champagne bubble bath....maybe this year!

AND..........

May Your Glass Always Be AT LEAST Half Full in 2015!

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End The Year On A Positive Note!

X0X0X0

~ Deb ~