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.

Oscar Gold.

With the Oscars coming up tomorrow, I thought it fitting to focus on the black-tie gowns that us mortals wear on only a few occasions in our lives. (Count em, prom and weddings are all we have.) Yet, the fashion world and the commercial red carpet have long been at odds with one another. Most high fashion critics find the gowns to be too safe, bland and pageant like while the tabloids will rip a celebrity to shreds over one that is too "avant-garde."

But today I'd like to propose a cease fire between the two, if not for just a few hours tomorrow. Let me introduce Marchesa, a name synonymous with the red carpet and all-out Hollywood glamour. Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig have been creating outstanding gowns that defy gravity and challenge the tired strapless princess gown for the past few seasons while in the meantime outfitting some very lucky celebs. And with Harvey Weinstein (the mega-producer) as Chapman's husband, there is no doubt that Marchesa will be able to produce some pure Oscar gold for the ladies who wear it.

Top Couture Spring 2011

Even though the designers at Lincoln Center in NYC are showing for fall, it wasn't that long ago that the famed couturiers in Europe were sending theirs down the runway for spring. Here is a roundup of my favorite looks from the season, including all the greats.

Starting at the top left and moving to the right, I loved Armani's futuristic gladiator gown, Elie Saab's magical lavender lace gown, Givenchy's restrained pink gown and Gaultier's irreverent combination of a prim evening dress with a mohawk. On the bottom row starting on the left I have Dior's fantastic pink pencil skirt, Chanel's layered nonchalance of an outfit, Valentino's perfection of a cocktail dress, and another of Chanel's lovely looks. File this one under couture envy.

[Images via: Style.com]