Eff Off.

[Image via: Pinterest]

Montreal Madness.

Oh, my goodness. What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been. Between the seemingly never-ending search for my next place, hanging with some very dear friends, jetting off to Montreal for the LOULOU Shop 'Till You Drop event, and planning all those outfits (for all the upcoming events too!), I'm not sure how I've managed to keep the balance (Pretty sure Starbucks has played a very large role in keeping me sufficiently caffeinated.) For the past four days I have been romping around Montreal (in lots of chunky tights and flat boots) for the big event and let me just say that it was very, very difficult getting on the plane to leave. I completely fell in love with the city (how can you not?!) and can't wait to plan a return trip. Check out some of the photos I snapped, and stay tuned for lots more posts coming up next week! File as back to reality.

[Images via: My Instagram @TheMargaretFile]

Saturday Escape: Sicily.

Ortygia, in Syracuse | Salina, where the sirens tempted Odysseus 

Room 19 at Salina’s Capofaro Resort | Vineyards at Capofaro

Salina lighthouse | Cannoli via Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, Modica | A market

Although I'll be in the the Napa Valley in just about one week, there is another wine country that I've been dreaming of lately. The island of Sicily is one that I never got to visit when I was living in Italy, but it is one that is definitely on my list of places to visit ASAP. And after taking a look at those cannoli's and those truly legendary beaches, I can't imagine wanting to go anywhere else in the world. File as dreaming.

[Images via: Pinterest and Conde Nast Traveler]

Wild at Heart.

[Image and quote via: Pinterest, combined by yours truly!]

Getaway: Palm Springs.

OK, so I may not be at Coachella this weekend with basically everyone else who lives in Southern California, but next weekend I will be down in Indio at the KROQ house (many, many outfits must be scouted). So I figured it was no better weekend to share this gem of a hotel in Palm Springs (just a stone's throw away from the music fest) which is quite possibly the most lovely design element down in the area. The Saguaro, designed around 12 colors found in desert wildflowers, is the perfect mix of kitsch and modernity with a whole load of intensity. And the extra kick? The salivatingly delicious looking menus at Tinto and El Jefe (both of Iron Chef and James Beard winner Jose Garces) that would make me never want to leave the property. Now if only I could pick which color balcony, than I'd be booking my room immediately. File as bright!


[Images via: Pinterest and The Saguaro]

Party Girl: Valentine's Lunch.

Valentine's Day has never been one of my favorites (probably because it's usually filled with overpriced dinners and forced gifts) but that doesn't mean it's not a perfect opportunity to gather up your friends (both single and not) to have a day to celebrate all the love. Throw in a big bowl of pasta, some champagne punch, chocolate cake (duh) and a super romantic all-white table setting and all your friends will be totally in love with you. File as simply lovely. 

[Images via: Pinterest, which I can't link to because it isn't working for me this month!]

Eats: Monterey Chicken.

I know, I know, It's Super Bowl Sunday and I should be sharing a recipe that would be the perfect item to add to your appetizer party tray; however, I am not particularly a football fan (I'll take basketball or hockey please) plus I find that for these things, the chips and grilled meats are always the first to go. In my belief, today is not a day for fancy-shmancy little appetizers. So instead, I want to show you how to make a super quick main course- full of flavor, simple to prepare and ready in a flash- my version of Monterey chicken. Because once the game is over, you're going to need something to wake up your palette. Keep reading after the jump to see the full recipe. File as yum-oh.

Elie Saab Couture 2012.

The sweet colors in Elie Saab's haute couture collection this past week reminded me of one of my favorite sweet treats in particular....Laduree macarons. A little crunchy, creamy on the inside and in all the softer colors of the rainbow, there is nothing I crave more than these delicious macarons. (I have actually waited in line for an hour to get a box at their NYC outpost.) And Elie Saab included some of my favorite flavors...a mean colors... including pistachio, vanilla bean and rose. File as eating it up.


[Images via: Vogue.com, Google]

Eats: French Onion Soup.

There is nothing I love more than a hearty bowl of soup when I'm feeling low. To say I've been rather stressed lately would be a bit of an understatement (my job search has proved less than fruitful so far) and the only thing I want to do this weekend is recharge my batteries, start my new book, avoid my computer and make a big ol' crock pot of soup. Since I just finished Julia Child's My Life in France (which I highly recommend), French Onion Soup is just the ticket for a low-kinda Sunday. Oh, and my new book is also about another French-culture icon, Miss Coco Chanel (go figure.) My love affair continues! Click below to see the whole recipe and file as noms.

Eats: Bucatini all'Amatriciana.

Being Italian, I feel like red sauce flows through my blood; I seriously cannot get enough of the stuff. And while I've practiced many different variations on the classic red sauce in the kitchen, there is one that I am dying to try next- Mario Batalli's Bucatini all'Amatriciana- a mouthful, I know, but so delicious to say. I used to eat pounds of this stuff in Roman Trattorias while I lived there two years ago and fell in love with it all over again at Batalli's restaurant Lupa while I was in NYC over the holidays. I can't wait to make it for myself, considering I could alway use a little extra spice in my cooking. Keep reading after the jump to see the full recipe so you can make it for yourself too! File as delish. 

Eats: Ultimate Quesadillas.

Until you've had my quesadilla, let me tell you, you have not tasted a quesadilla yet. Gooey, delicious, savory and full of bright flavors, my quesadilla is nothing like those sad flimsy disks yanked out of the microwave. No, mam. Served with a big old dollop of sour cream, cilantro or salsa (or all three mixed together...did I just blow your mind?) this will become a weeknight staple, like it has in my casa. Keep reading to check out the full recipe. File as addicting. 

Eats: Fried Mozzarella Sticks.

I have a love affair with just about any food that is dipped in breadcrumbs and fried to a delicious golden brown. Case in point- mozzarella sticks. Until about a month ago it never dawned on me that I could actually fry my own cheesy sticks of wonder instead of purchasing those sad looking brand-name frozen mozzarella sticks on my monthly Target trip. So I enlisted the help of a friend who had never deep fried anything in her life (blind leading the blind, not the best plan I admit) and was completely surprised at how simple, fresh and crunchy these little guys came out (without scarring ourselves with any hot oil.) These are just the thing for your next cocktail party. Keep reading after the jump for the complete recipe and file as more, please.

Party Girl: This is Lady's Night.

Even though I have a feeling my Saturday night will be much more mellow than most, I couldn't help but put together this fabulous fete that would be just the thing if I were back in the Bay Area with all my girlfriends. You can't go wrong with champagne toasts, lots of hot pink, glitter frosting (really) and your favorite friends. Hope you all enjoy your Saturday, whomever it is you will be spending it with! File as celebrate.

[Images via: Pinterest combined by me, Margaret Murrieta]

Eats: Crostini.

Now that the holidays are here, it's always good to have a few simple bites to throw together when guests decide to drop by at the last minute (lately I have been one of those types of guests.) But still, you can never be too prepared when it comes to little treats whether they're meant for guests or just a savory midnight snack. These ricotta, walnut and pear crostini do just the trick and look rather fancy even though they just contain five easy to find ingredients. Keep reading after the jump to check out the full recipe (which is probably the easiest one I will ever post) and enjoy these next time you're in the mood for something quick and delicious. File as eat it up.

Party Girl: A Very Glam Thanksgiving.

We’ve all seen enough cornucopia and pine-cone turned turkey centerpieces (ok, so I did love that craft as a kid) so for next week’s holiday celebration why not spare the arts and crafts and instead join around the table for a fall harvest party complete with topiary centerpieces. Even though Thanksgiving has turned out to be quite a bogus holiday for us Americans (sorry to the pilgrims) it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with good intentions and just be thankful for well, whatever it is you feel thankful for. For me, the end of November is always my favorite time of year for two reasons in particular: spending time with my closest friends (family time doesn’t happen until Christmas) and eating all the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie my heart desires.  Now those are things to be grateful for. File as time to celebrate.

[Images via: Fashion Gone Rogue, Pinterest]

Eats: Zucchini Fritters.

One of my favorite little pick-me ups while in Rome was these delightful fritters that my roommate would make as an appetizer (before we stuffed ourselves with ridiculous amounts of pasta, obviously) and these still bring me back to the fresh zucchini we'd find at the market down the street from our apartment. I haven't made them since I've been home, but I have a feeling I'll be breaking out the grater this week, to have a little taste of my Rome home. Keep reading after the jump for the complete recipe and file as yummy memories.

Eats: Brussels Sprouts.

Brussels sprouts (yes, that's a correct spelling) can be quite the hard sell. For some reason I think we all hated them as children. Overcooked, mushy and kinda smelly, the brussels sprouts of yesteryear were none too appetizing. But here my friends, is a recipe for sprouts that is sure to get you uber-excited about this most-hated side dish. Although I normally make mine the simple way (with loads of sea salt, fresh ground pepper and olive oil- roasted until they are browned and crispy) this recipe (with bacon I might add) makes them just a little bit more fancy than your average sprout. Try them as a side with an easy roasted chicken, grilled New York steak, classic lasagna (as I did at my graduation party) or with a sauteed piece of fish; (you get the point) these sprouts are seriously a delicious accompaniment to any dinner. Keep reading for the full recipe and file as noms.

Eats: Deviled Eggs.

Out of all the parties I've thrown, there is one go-to recipe that I know will be the first empty plate of the night. I know I can never get enough of a classic deviled egg (I'm pretty sure I ate an entire platter of them last night at my friend's party) but they are also a wonderful way to spice up a not-so-exciting dinner. Serve them as an appetizer by themselves or with a little salad of arugula, red onion and a simple vinaigrette. Keep reading after the jump to see the Martha Stewart recipe that I've drooled over many, many times over. File as yum.

Eats: Beef with Broccoli.

I have an unnatural addiction to a few things: anything leopard print, the travel section in bookstores, museums and last but not least, cheap takeout Chinese food. I don't know what it is about a greasy takeout container stuffed full of chicken chow mein for only $2 from the organic grocery store down the block or a crispy eggroll of just veggies for two quarters but I cannot get enough of it. I figured it was about time to test out some classic Chinese takeout recipes of my own, and this beef and broccoli is just the place to start. Delicious, comforting, fast and better than what I can get down the street. Serve it with some rice and you're set for a cozy night in. Keep reading after the jump to see the full recipe. File under mouth watering.

Eat Good Stuff.

[Image via: Pinterest, quote via unknown source, mashed up by me, Margaret Murrieta]