Bonne année!

Enjoy a French 75 cocktail to start your New Year's party off with a bang!  This potent cocktail was said to have such a kick that it was aptly named after the French 75mm field gun.  Simple, strong and bubbly, this classic champagne cocktail is the perfect drink to toast the New Year. Cheers!

 Ingredients:

-3 ounces gin

-3 ounces fresh lemon juice

-4 tsp granulated sugar

-1 1/2 cups ice 

-1 cup chilled champagne (Any kind works, but I prefer extra dry)

-lemon twists for garnish

Preparation: 

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, sugar and ice and shake

2. Strain cocktails into 2 champagne flutes and top off with champagne

3. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!

Makes 2

(photo source)

The Perfect Gift for...Jewelry Addicts!

Lately, it seems that I am all about the latest in online shopping crazes - the subscription service. Working a 50+ hour work week, catching up with friends, sneaking in odd freelance jobs, and spending time with family all takes its toll on my time. With such a busy schedule, I often don't have the luxury of treating myself to a few hours of retail therapy. With subscription services, I ensure that once a month I will update my wardrobe and invest a bit of my hard-earned money in myself.

While I will forever be a fan of Birchbox, a $10/month beauty sampling program, I am equally as enamored with JewelMint. This particular subscription service sends you a pretty piece of jewelry for $29.99/month.

Upon signing up for JewelMint, you are asked to take a "style quiz" which determines which pieces will best suit your style. Each month, your "showroom" fills up with stunning selections that are tailored to your tastes - and if you aren't happy with their picks, you can flip through all the options on your own as well. Short on cash, or don't see anything you like? You can skip a month within the first 5 days and you won't be charged. 

Much of JewelMint's appeal comes from celebrity spokeswoman Kate Bosworth. I have forever been a fan of her personal style, and you can truly sense her investments in the company - she's rarely spotted these days without wearing at least piece. Together with her partner-in-crime, celebrity stylist Cher Coulter, JewelMint has become a bonafide success story, launching spin-offs like StyleMint with the Olsen twins and ShoeMint with Rachel Bilson.

I have personally ordered four pieces from JewelMint and have been truly impressed with the style, quality and attention to detail. I've been known to frequent Forever21 for their fast-fashion accessories, but my JewelMint pieces have left those in the dust. 

 Click here to learn more about JewelMint and take the style quiz!

One Stop Holiday Shopping at the Troc

We're a bit biased. But we think that you can do the majority of your holiday shopping under one roof. No, not Target! (Ok, we know that this is also a convenient place to do one-stop shopping but try to give us independent boutiques a fighting chance!)

So with TWO "Shopping" SATURDAYS left before Christmas, I leave you with a few ideas...

PERFECT STOCKING STUFFERSTocca candles ($38), travel hand creams ($8)  and lip glosses ($14)
Roost sea urchin votive holder ($38)

LOTS OF PLACES TO CHOOSE FROM!Cat Studio pillows ($156 in stock, $165 special order)

FOR ANYONE ON YOUR LIST!Recchiuti fleur de sel caramels ($28)

EVERYONE'S FAVORITE ITEM!Archipelago Botanicals Pomegranate items ($28-$42)

FOR THE FASHIONISTA ON YOUR LISTSecrets of Stylists book ($24.95) 

FOR THE NEW BABY!Danish rattles and teething toys ($20)

FOR THE MIXOLOGIST!Absinthe cocktail set (spoons, $18 each; set of 6 glasses, $60; book,  $19.95)

FOR THE NYC LOVERThe iconic New York City deli cup in ceramic ($15)

We have lots of wonderful items under $30 for everyone on your list. Great items for babysitters to children's teachers, your favorite aunt to your brand new nephew. Don't forget about your local shopping vendors like us. We at Trocadero strive to provide Omaha with beautiful, unique items perfect for gift giving. Please email us at shoptrocadero@mac.com or give us a ring at 402-934-8389 and we can help you put together any type of gift package for anyone on your list.

Happy Shopping!

America the Beautiful

I decided to do things a little bit different this time around, so here is a documentary review, let me know what you guys think!

I watched the documentary, America the Beautiful (written, produced and directed by Darryl Roberts in 2007) on Hulu a little over a week ago, and I’ve been trying to figure out what route to take so I could share it with you all. The truth is, it’s one of those films you’ll have to check out for yourself. Sure, I can share the general outline of the story and pop a few alarming quotes in here, which I already planned on doing, but, you can see how realistic it is when you actually watch it. Do I think you should clear your schedule for it? Not necessarily. I believe we are all aware of the issue at hand; this documentary just brings it to the forefront of our minds. However, if you have time to spare, I do recommend checking it out.

The first few minutes of the film had males of different ages and types expressing their personal views on women. What they want in a women. “Thank God for cloning. If you like your Pam Andersons you can just run ‘em off in a manufacturer and eliminate nasty chicks,” was one male view.

The focus of the film is on a 12-year-old African American model, Gerren Taylor. She took the runway head-on and was more or less thrown into an adult world. Throughout the film you can see how she rises to the top, grows up, gains a few curves and it suddenly became increasingly harder for her to find work.

Another girl, 15-year-old Maggie, has dedicated her whole life to modeling and acting. We’re talkin’ modeling and acting classes and home schooling. Maggie does however, have a slight “belly” as her mother calls it. She so kindly mentions liposuction as an option if Maggie can’t get rid of it. “If that’s what we need to do, then we’ll do it,” says Maggie’s mother.

Her daughter responds with: Plastic surgery is a women’s best friend.

Speaking of plastic surgery, I’m sure some of you have taken part in the guilty pleasure of watching Dr. 90210, yeah? Or are familiar with a few popular faces of plastic surgery? Did you know that some of these so called plastic surgeons were not board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery during the time when this was filmed? You can call the board yourself and find out who really has the skills and who is sliding under the radar.

One of my close friends, might I add… she’s got curves, is black and beautiful and embraces every second of it…thought it was just plain sad. In the beginning portion flashed Victoria’s Secret ads across the screen, saying how unrealistic advertising makes expectations on women. The question was then asked: who benefits from it? “No one benefits from women feeling inferior,” said CG, “we’ve got a long way to come and I doubt we will make any progress because the damage has already been done.”

Towards the end of the film, Darryl Roberts is talking with Gerren again and she chimes in and pronounces: I’m ugly. Period. Point Blank. Before Roberts can get a word in she cuts him off again and forcefully says: “Period.”

“By the end it showed how self conscious she really was, which I felt showed that the more beauty centered you are, the more self conscious you are, thus showing how much more unnecessarily critical you are. Especially of yourself,” said CG.

Would you ever get your dog testicular implants? Or how about revamp the look of your own hoo-ha?

Shocking? Perhaps.

Unheard of? Nope.

Holiday Craft Time, a Good Way to Spread the Cheer

Last weekend a couple friends and I hosted an afternoon of cider, cheesy chili and plenty of silly holiday craft making. Before that my feet were dragging into the inevitable season changes and the holiday spirit. It so happened this ended up on the first snow day of the year and spending it warm indoors with happy people sparking creativity everywhere was just what I needed to flow into the season.

If you are thinking of having a holiday get together, try your own craft time on a lazy weekend afternoon. You can do anything simple from collaging holiday cards, baking cookies, gluing things on ornaments or more complex like sewing a stocking or painting a picture.

It's such a great way to get into the spirit, spending quality time with friends old and new. Here are some great websites to get you inspired!

Dana-Made-It

She does step by step projects for everything from food to clothes and so many of them are really simple to do. I love the sweater stocking project!

Design Sponge

Their website has an easy to search DIY tab that you can pick your material and/or level of difficulty.
Craft Gossip
Involve the whole family with this handmade rolling stamp wrapping paper, cute!

Cut-Out-and-Keep
Try this easy stacked felt circle wreath by Kojo Designs. You could also try torn newspaper spray painted gold with some red ribbon. I have also done one with torn fabric just tied on a hanger.


Have fun, get creative and share any other great ideas. Happy crafting!

Shin Scissorhands

A few years ago, my friend Shin An was featured in VOGUE as one of New York City's best "underground" hair stylists. At the time she worked either for Mark Garrison or Paul Labrecque, two of the best salons in the city. The VOGUE story focused on those stylists that had a "cult-like" following that weren't exactly the "marquee" names on the door. (I remember that Harry Josh was another stylist featured in the story...but for some reason I cannot find the article online.)

Flash forward to now.

Shin has opened up her very own eponymous salon in Santa Monica. Yup, that's right. She's traded in the concrete jungle streets of NYC for the Palm trees and sandy beaches of sunny southern California.

As featured on vogue.com, Shin is making waves in her Asian-inspired, beachy bungalow on Montana Avenue.

There are people who cut hair and then there's Shin. She is, without-a-doubt, a genius when it comes to knowing hair and what style, shape and cut is best on each particular person. I can't count how many people I have referred to Shin's effortless way of creating magic with a pair of scissors. My college roommate lives in Eastern Connecticut and would make trips to NYC for a Shin hair cut. A good friend from NYC who now lives in Philadelphia also schlepped to New York for Shin to wield her Edward Scissorhands talent. I even converted two friends from Omaha to go to Shin when they went to NYC. Yes, she's that good. The best part of her cuts? No, not the price. You have to pay for a good hair cut. But what makes it worth it is how the cut gets better with time. The hair cut grows out beautifully.

If you want a hair cut of a lifetime, go see Shin. And tell her Alice from Omaha sent you. It wouldn't be the first time!

Shin Salon is located at 1025 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, CA. Phone #: 310-310-3128 or go to shinhair.com

source of photo: vogue.com

A Few of My Favorite Things

I absolutely love this time of year! All because of holiday gift giving, that is. Those who know me may not believe it, but I actually enjoy giving gifts far more than receiving them. Finding something that a friend or loved will adore just makes me happy. All throughout the year I'm constantly jotting down notes of items I think would make great gifts. I just couldn't help but to share my ideas, so here is a list of just a few of my favorite items to give this holiday season.

Piggy Power Bank by Neon Green

Flight001.com

This solar power bank and USB charger is eco-friendly and really comes in handy. It can be used with iPhones, iPods, Blackberry, as well as most other mobile phones and MP3 players. It is fully charged when left in the sun for 15-16 hours and can also be charged by USB power. The perfect gift for any techie on your list. The Piggy Power Bank also comes in "Big" and "Lil' Piggy Power" versions to suit your energy needs.

Goldsmith Silversmith

Goldsmithsilversmith.com

I am such a fan of buying locally and hand made items, and when they look as spectacular as the work from Goldsmith Silversmith, you really can't beat it! In the heart of the Old Market, Goldsmith is located on Howard street and houses the work of several talented jewelry artists. From sterling silver, to gold and pearls to diamonds, Goldsmith really covers all of the bases. And there is no better gift than custom made jewelry. The staff is welcoming and works with customers to create the piece of their dreams within their budget.

Schmidt Brothers Cutlery

Schmidtbrotherscutlery.com

After reading about Schmidt Brothers in Food & Wine Magazine I fell in love with their concept of high-quality knives without the high-quality price tag. Their range of knives includes an exclusive Acacia and stainless steel collection for West Elm and even titanium and ceramic a lines in their regular collection. With prices starting at $10, there's something for everyone, from the casual cook to the master chef.

Images courtesy of:

Flight001

Goldsmith Silversmith

Schmidt Brothers Cutlery

Make Your Trendy Summer Staples Work in Your Winter Wardrobe!

from summer to winter by shoptrocadero

all bags and shoes available at Trocadero!

With the first major snowfall of the season falling outside my window, it's time I've come to terms with my closet. Every year, I struggle to switch out its contents with the passing of spring, summer, fall and winter. In all honesty, I'm a true believer in "seasonless" dressing - for the most part, I only purchase pieces that I can wear all year round.

To prove this philosophy, I've taken three of last summers' trendiest pieces and demonstrated how to transition them into a perfectly wearable winter ensemble.

The Maxi Skirt

The floor-length skirt was one of my favorite pieces from this past summer. There's something so effortless and easy about tossing on a maxi skirt with a white tee and a great necklace and heading for the door. Mine is so well-loved that I couldn't bear to pack it up, so instead I'll be pairing it with a cropped sweater. I am obsessed with these suede wedges, but I also like the idea of swapping those out for a pair of rugged boots for running errands.

The Lace Tee

A great lace tee is a must-have for me. It's the simplest item to dress up or down for any occasion. Throw on a pair of great colored corduroy trousers and a rugged black boot and you're ready for just about anything!

The Romper

Most people would say that a romper is a summer-only option, but I dare to disagree. I sport all my shorts with tights during the winter - in fact, so much so that my friends like to joke that I "never wear pants," because I'm always in shorts, skirts and dresses no matter what the season. With a thick pair of tights, chunky sweater, and riding boots, this lightweight romper is winter-ready.

What summer item will you be wearing this winter?