Have a Classy Halloween

Halloween is defined by the colors orange and black, but to try and wear them in a flattering way is often seen as a hard combination to pull off. No more, I say! Orange and black can be severely elegant and is not just for October 31st.

It's Pancake Time!

Pancakes with bananas and syrup- YUM

I love pancakes! They're so delicious, especially with some fruit on top. I usually use Bisquick pancake mix because it's easy and turns out great every time. Here are some tips to make the classic pancake a little more creative:

First, mix up your normal pancake batter. I use the Heart Healthy Bisquick (it comes in a white box) with nonfat milk. I don't add eggs to my mix, but if you like your pancakes extra fluffy, follow the directions on the back of the box. Whisk the milk and flour together, until you have a smooth batter- it shouldn't be too runny or too thick! Here's where we can make things interesting- try one or several of these options:

Mix it up:

1. add cinnamon to the batter, just a dash

2. add less milk and add a half cup of cinnamon applesauce- I usually use those prepackaged containers.

3. add vanilla extract- 1 tablespoon. 

4. add a dash of orange juice and a little orange peel zest

Now that your batter is ready, heat up that skillet, add a little butter, and get flipping! After you have a short stack of pancakes, the toppings are where we can add a little more flair- try one or several of these options:

Top it off:

1. add sliced bananas and walnut pieces

2. add sliced strawberries and blueberries

3. add some jelly or jam

4. drizzle a little honey

5. stick to the classic maple syrup

What are you waiting for?! Dig in!

This/That: The Meadow

the meadow by kyfrazier featuring pullover tops

Siren Plaid Roll-Sleeve Henley Pullover, $98
Crafted Cropped Denim Jacket, 35 GBP
Women's Jegging - American Eagle Outfitters, $40
Steve Madden Harlem Boot, $99
Feather Drop Earring - jewellery - accessories - evans, 9 GBP
Eugenia Kim Taupe Chunky Wool Braided Knit Scarf with Tassels, 30 GBP
The Meadow - James Galvin - ISBN 9780805027037
Zapf Essentials™ Arrows Two - Fonts.com

The Meadow by James Galvin is a beautiful and complicated piece of creative non-fiction. In 100 vignettes Galvin strives to give you the sense of this place somewhere between the Colorado/Wyoming boarder that's harshness and grace define the people who struggle and live there. We just finished studying this book in my Non-Fiction class and I ended up liking this book so much more than I expected (what I expected was to like it not at all). In fact, this work has just about convinced me to change my senior thesis from fiction to non and that's saying something considering I've been planning for fiction these past three years! There was just something about the desolateness of the land and the inhabitants' reverence for it that makes you feel a connection to it as well.

I paired this book with a no nonsense but still wearable outfit perfect for tramping through the back country and lounging around by the wood burning stove in your log cabin. You may want to consider layering a thermal shirt under that floaty plaid number because autumn is fading and winter is almost here. 

Mad Girl: Betty

Ah Betty, the quintessential perfect 1950s bored housewife with some serious daddy issues. She was the apple of her family's eye and she displays her frustrations with her housewife role and her rather horrible, no matter how handsome he is, husband Don, in an extremely childish manner. Nevertheless, she always looks perfect and has some to-die-for fashion. In the most recent season she remarried an older man and her personal style has reflected an older aesthetic; however, I chose to focus on her earlier, more youthful fashions.

An Artistic Touch

 Is it time to change up your style? Try the artistic look- it's simple! All you need are a pair of ballet flats, slouchy t-shirt with some graphic art, and an accessory to top it off. My favorite are those cute black glasses!

Resturant Review: Pork Store Cafe

Photo by Toroeater E.

Photo by Dani S.

Photo by Toroeater E.

The best time to go to the Pork Store Cafe is defiantly for brunch. I ventured out to the Mission a Sunday or two ago to the cafe's Valencia location, the original is located in the Haight. The layout of the restaurant was open and bright with artwork and an array of interesting and mismatched overhead lampshade lights. Though it was busy we did not have to wait long to get a table and the service was never lagging.

For  $13 you can have one of Pork Store's inventive and healthy portioned dishes and a mimosa (and no, it's never too early in the morning for a mimosa), which I think is more than worth the money. I myself had the Chorizo Special which consisted of chorizo sausage, mushrooms, onions, fresh salsa, basil & spices with eggs over medium on top. The dish also came with a side of hash browns and two buttermilk biscuits that all but melted in my mouth. I would be lying if I said I stopped eating once I got full, it was too good to resist  finishing! So overall a very good experience, Pork Store knows brunch.

Restaurant                Rating out of 5               Price             Would Try Again?

Pork Store                      4.8                           $$                         Yes!

Autumn Apples

Autumn is definitely upon us and nothing says autumn like a juicy, crispy apple. With a pop of red, you're ready to grab even the tallest ones. And don't forget your little school bag!

Wild Wild West

Welcome to the wild west, where western meets equestrian! Here's an easy and chic look are SURE to cause a few head-turns. Combine some pleather pieces, whether it be riding boots or a side bag, with a simple cotton dress and dress it up with a few turquoise jewelry pieces. You'll be ready for the open road in no time!

Mad Girl: Joan

As a new contributor to the great blog that is A La Mode, I want to give tribute to one of my favorite shows on tv: Mad Men. Not only is Mad Men a symphony of subtle symbolism and plot lines but the fashion is literally a mind blowing eyegasm. By pulling modern pieces for each main woman on Mad Men, a series of fashion pieces will focuses on their fashion taste and personalities. First up is Joan, the epitome of class, sexiness, and general va-va-voom. Never afraid to speak her mind, she has found her own way to exude power in a man's world. She manages to completely cover herself in the office but still unconsciously ooze sultriness. With her curves she is able to wrap any man around her little finger and rock a pencil skirt like no other. And she is never caught without a signature brooch to sweeten the deal.

Food Crawl: San Francisco Westfield Mall and Union Square

What's a "Food Crawl," you may ask? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like! It’s when you journey from restaurant to bakery to ice cream shop, or any other combination of food establishments you may dream up, and try their tasty treats or delectable dishes! Since we're always searching for new cuisines to try (desserts, especially), Kylah and I decided to include restaurant reviews to this blog so all of you can read up on which spots to hit and which to miss in the Bay Area. For our first crawling session, we meet up at the Westfield Mall in San Francisco and journeyed into the gourmet food court. I was surprised to see how packed it was with hungry shoppers, drinking wine with their cheeseburgers, crepes, and Korean BBQ. I decided to try Melt: gelato and crepe café. I ordered the Southwestern Crepe, filled with black beans, cheese, tomatoes, veggies, and chipotle sauce. It also came with a side salad and vinaigrette. While I found the rectangular shape a bit odd, the taste was pretty good and the chipotle sauce was a bit overpowering and smoky. 

 Kylah ventured out and tried Loving Hut: Vegan Cuisine, was a vegan Thai place. I stole a bite of her spring rolls with dipping peanut sauce—it was really delicious and fresh, especially with the jicama (my favorite!). 

 After polishing our plates off, we decided to search for a cupcakery we had seen once or twice before, but never had the chance to try. With the help of a few homeless men, we eventually found ourselves at Cako. The first thing you notice is the storefront window display, which is darling and filled with a variety of cupcakes. 

 Being that it was close to closing time, there were only a few flavors to choose from. I decided to try the Lemon Meringue cupcake with graham cracker crust, tart filling, and meringue frosting. And Kylah decided to try the Chocolate Coconut cupcake, with coconut frosting and shredded coconut on top. The only criticism I have is that I would have preferred my cupcake to be a bit airier, but overall they were delicious and unique! We gobbled them down as we sat near Macy’s, peering up at the Christmas trees in the windows (it's October, right?). Still, the $3 cupcake was probably a onetime thing—there are definitely cheaper cupcakeries with equally decadent cupcakes, but that’s just coming from some stingy college kids!

 

Restaurant              Rating out of 5                      Price                  Would Try Again?

Melt:                                 3.5                                   $$                                  No

LovingHut:                      4.4                                    $                                   Yes!

Cako:                                4.3                                    $$                                Maybe

A La Mode Costume Contest

Halloween is coming up fast and to celebrate we've decided to have a costume contest here at ALM! The winning getup will be featured here on our blog so grab your cameras, take a picture and send it in to us at alamodetheblog@gmail.com The deadline is the 30th and we will announce the winners on Halloween. Get your 15 minutes! Be sure to include your name, where you're from and give us a quick breakdown of your costume.

And just in case you still haven't figured out what your Halloween costume will be, here is some inspiration at Marie Claire. A list of best and worst celebrity costumes over the past couple of years. Kudos to Heidi Klum for always going all out!

Movie Night

Here are a few simple outfit ideas for a movie night! Keep it casual and cute with long-sleeves, short-sleeves, tank top, or no-sleeves. Take your pick and be sure to get extra butter with your popcorn!

Notebooks

Who doesn't like a good notebook? I almost always have one on me and I tend to go through them at an alarming rate, so once again I am on the search. I decided to take the pleasure of posting a few of the final contestants.

Notebooks by kyfrazier on Polyvore.com

Busy Bee Notebook, 5 GBP
Papernation: Blue Blossom Pocket Notebook: K Two, 3.50 GBP
Papernation: Whipsnade Zoo A6 Notebook: Bliss Home, 7.99 GBP
Mod Musings & Darling Doodles Notebook, $20
Formulating Snapshots Notebook, $16
Rob Ryan notebook at BODIE and FOU | Rob Ryan, 12 GBP
Papernation: Blue Refillable A5 Notebook: Castelli, 12 GBP
Papernation: Le Cahier Children Notebook: Katy & June, 3.50 GBP
English Rose Notebook A7 Size, 1 GBP
Fairy Cakes Notebook A7 Size, 1 GBP

 Seen any good ones? Let us know, leave a comment!

Little Black Dress

Pleather Bodice Draped Dress, $49

The infamous “Little Black Dress”—every sophisticated woman owns one (or should, for that matter!) because it can be dressed up for an elegant gala event or dressed down for a dinner with the girls! It’s so versatile and goes with just about any shoe or handbag. Try adding some flare your Little Black Dress with turquoise jewelry as a pop of color, or keep it classy with an elegant gold clutch. Either way, you’ll be sure to get noticed on your night out! (I absolutely love this Little Black Dress, and it's only $49! Check out the link!)

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Raisin Rice

So, in an effort to get into the harvest-time October spirit I decided to conduct a little experiment with an acorn squash out of the "seasonal vegetables" bin at the supermarket. Without a recipe I boldly went forth hoping to come out the other side with something good to eat, I am both proud and happy to report my endeavor a slightly surprising success!   

I'll do my best to recreate the steps for you, but really it wasn't half as hard as it looks it should be and after watching this short and humorous video I just went for it sans measuring cup (which is a good suggestion for life in general).

 My acorn squash looking like the Death Star.

Raisin Rice:

This stuff is very simple to make but it's still delicious and sweet from the raisins, it also has the added bonus of tricking people into thinking that you are a way fancier cook than you actually may be. You will need uncooked white rice, a little vegetable oil, a pack of raisins (I used a snack pack but probably would have used more if I was cooking for more that just myself) and a cup or two of water. 

After pre-heating my oven to 400 degrees in preparation for cooking the squash I pulled out a pan to start my rice in. I coated the bottom of the pan with the vegetable oil and then tossed in the rice which I pushed around with a wooden spoon until it was all evenly browned. It's important to always keep the rice moving so it does not burn.

After my rice had been sufficiently browned I took a cup and poured in enough water to cover the rice, added my raisins and then covered the pan to let it boil. Every couple of minutes I would lift the cover to stir and check if I needed more water. Once the rice is tender and the water has boiled off take your pan off the heat and set aside.

Your rice should look something like this

The Squash:

Now for the squash which is believe it or not even easier than the rice. Here's a visual step by step.

 Cut the top off and spoon out the seeds.

 Add about a tablespoon of butter to the bottom to help it cook.

 Stuff the squash with your raisin rice but be careful not to pack it down.

From there set the top of the squash back on and stick it in the oven for one hour and you're done! See how easy? And I can personally attest to just how good it is.

 Demolished.

I Want Your Love, Love Love Love

Whether sporting a meat-dress or metallic jumper, Lady Gaga always makes a statement with her one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. She is undoubtedly a fashion icon of our time and her genius style, complete with kooky masks, extreme head pieces, and the occasional firework, has caught the attention of millions. These pieces hardly do justice to Gaga’s wacky show-shoppers, but consider them ideas for an awesome Halloween outfit!

Silver Screen Inspiration: A Miss Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Bennet and Miss Bennet

It's no secret, I love the 2005 version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice--and all other versions for that matter--but this one was filmed particularly beautifully: the saturated colors, the English countryside, the stately manors. Not to mention the costumer does an amazing job especially in regards to the Bennet sisters, each has their own style that perfectly reflects their personalities. And for this exact reason the Bennet girls a la Pride and Prejudice 2005 are the first subject of my Silver Screen Inspiration! There's nothing like a well dressed romance.

Elizabeth by kyfrazier featuring a cotton tank

Bold Tank, $34
Rag & bone Covent Trench cotton coat, $690
Raquel Allegra Mohair knitted cardi-coat, $1,945
Old Navy Womens Elastic-Waist Poplin Skirts, $18
Tights for Every Occasion in Family Dinner, $15
On the Moors Boot, $200
'Cameo Flower' Necklace - Necklaces (long) - by TheDreamcatchers -..., 6,37 EUR
Italian Book Boxes - Set of 2 - Decorative Boxes - Home Accents - Home..., $34
Lizzy - Elizabeth Bennet Photo (10499846) - Fanpop

Elizabeth Bennet, the heroine of our story is no frills, no fuss. She is almost always dressed in earthy neutral tones, olive green and brown being the most common but despite her color pallet her look is never blah and does not fade into the background. Lizzie is down to earth and comfortable, often wearing a long, over-sized men's coat which was the main source of inspiration for this outfit. A versatile tank, simple black skirt, tights and boots for those long walks to Netherfield round out the ensemble along with Elizabeth's most important accessory, a book!

Mary by kyfrazier featuring gold sunglasses

Leslie vented jersey tank, $40
maxi skirt, 22 GBP
We Who See Victorian Lace-Up Boot, $78
Ornate Stone Ring, 6 GBP
1840s Seven Garnet Ring, 9K Gold : Erie Basin Antiques, $40
Cashmere hue, 1.500 DKK
SUPER 349-A11 HAVANA GLITTER/YELLOW/GOLD PLASTIC/METAL PEOPLE GOLD, 161 GBP
Photo Sharing by MyPhotoAlbum :: The Darcy Saga Portrait Gallery by...

Mary is quiet and conservative so I opted to put her in a maxi skirt with lace-up boots and a few fun but not too over the top accessories. The glasses are an homage to past costume incarnations of Mary in the movies where she appears as a bespectacled bookworm. Girls who wear glasses seldom get passes? Whoever made up that saying was woefully wrong I think, what's not to love about Mary?

Lydia/Kitty by kyfrazier featuring a thigh high hosiery

Some Like It Spot Dress, $70
Plum Drop Dress, $75
Chrissy Rose Cardigan, $30
Hansel From Basel / Rib Thigh High Tights, $30
The Biscotti Flat, $40
Nude vintage bow pumps, 23 GBP
Daisy Knights 22-karat vermeil-gold ball stud earrings, $160
Gang Hat, $95
Pride and Prejudice, Jena Malone as Lydia Bennet
kitty.jpg (JPEG Image, 400x280 pixels)

Lydia and Kitty have very similar styles, probably because Kitty is happy to follow Lydia in anything she might do. They are both fun and flirtatious which I though should reflect in both of their outfits but Lydia's is a bit bolder, mixing patterns without looking back. Kitty on the other hand is a bit more toned down but still girly and very cute with plenty of English charm.

Jane by kyfrazier featuring stamped jewelry

Lady's Choice Cardigan, $50
Helianthus Top, $88
Acne Kex low-rise skinny jeans, $230
Hermes shoes, Jumping boots | Hermes.com, $2,050
GINGER - Casual Flats - Bakers Footwear, $40
Solange Azagury-Partridge Love 18-karat red gold and diamond ring, $1,800
Roberto Coin 'Tiny Treasures' Diamond Baby Key Necklace, $580
Movie Photos: Rosamund Pike in a scene from Pride and Prejudice - 2005

Jane has the most romantic look out of the sister by far, she dresses in light pastels and cozy fabrics. She looks very natural, effortless and she's so nice we can't possibly hate her for being so pretty. Equestrian boots and the ladylike cardigan bring out the best in this English Rose with delicate jewelry as ascents.  

Twitter

Dear Everyone,

Now you can follow us on Twitter at ALM_blog! It can help you stay on top of what's new here at A La Mode!

Go ahead, follow us, it's fun :)

Love from,
all of us here at ALM

On Trend: Skinny Cargo Pants

I've had my eye on this one for a while though I must say at first I was skeptical. I was too strongly reminded of my previous encounters with cargoes from my late elementary years and losing small things in many pockets. But after I got over my initial prejudices I was able to appreciate that this time around the cargo pant is much less about adding as many pockets as humanly possible and more about the structure in alignment with the current military trend.

So...

I think they deserve a second chance, don't you?

This/That

eat this - Diddy Riese ice cream sandwich | wear that - blouse: j crew,

necklace: urban outfitters, wallet: anthropologie

Rustic Apple Tart

Try this recipe for a delectable, apple cinnamon treat! It is simple, fast, and healthy, as far as desserts go!

Dough:

I used ready-made pie crust dough- it comes in a two-pack, so feel free two tarts or save the second one for later.

Filling (for two tarts):
5-6 medium sized granny smith apples, peeled and cored (Save the peels)

½ cup flour

¼ stick of butter cut into small cubes
½ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

Dash of vanilla extract (just for kicks!)

Glaze:
1/3 cup granulated sugar

Apple peels

Water

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400F

2. For the glaze, ½ cup of water with sugar and apple peels. Let this reduce into a watery glaze and strain apple peels out for final product.

3. Unroll dough and place in greased 9-inch round tart pan, or parchment-lined baking sheet if you want to go free-form

4. Slice apples into equal, thin pieces. Mix apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Place apples in an overlapping ring design within the tart pan, from the outside, in.

5. Fold excess dough around the edges inwards, making patterned creases.

6. Brush the glaze over the edges of the dough, and sprinkle excess on the tart. Dust with sugar.

7. Scatter small cubes of butter (8-10) on the top of the apple component.

8. Bake in center of oven for 45 minutes or until pie crust is golden brown and apples are soft.

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream! Delicious!

Peppermint Patty Brownie Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a great, gooey chocolate-mint combination that are sure to satisfy even the most extreme chocolate cravings!

 

 

 From Martha Stewart's Cupcakes

8 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter*, cut into pieces, room temp
1 cup sugar*
3/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs*
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
12 small chocolate covered peppermint patties, such as York Peppermint Patties

*Healthy Swaps: use light butter (will change consistency), reduce sugar to 3/4 cup sugar, and fat free egg substitute

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. Place chocolate and butter in double boiler and stir occasionally just until melted, 4-5 minutes.
Remove bowl from heat, whisk in sugar and salt until mixture is smooth. Whisk in eggs to combine. Gently whisk in flour and cocoa just until smooth (do not overmix).
Spoon 1 heaping tbsp of batter into each lined cup. Place 1 patty on top, gently pressing into batter. Top with 2 tbsp batter, covering patty completely. Bake, rotating tin halfway through , about 35 minutes (start checking at 30). Transfer tin to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!