{ White + Warren sweater c/o, Alexander Wang skirt, Oscar de la Renta clutch, Zara heels, Estée Lauder Teal Topaz polish }

♫♪Billie Holiday — Blue Moon

I didn’t know how it was going to feel spending the weekend in hectic NYC after a slew of back-to-back trips. To integrate myself, I decided a calm night and cozy dinner would do the trick. I wore this ultra-preppy sweater and rocker inspired skirt Saturday night– an unusual combination that seemed to match my mood perfectly.

More to come to tomorrow…

{ Levi’s jeans, Faded Glory sweater, Cougar boots, Alexander Wang hat, Marni gloves }

Spending five days in 70-degrees and sunny California was fabulous. Coming back to snowy, slushy streets, not so much. I have learned over the years though that it’s all about what you wear.  Good boots, a cozy sweater, and warm accessories make all the difference — the right gear can almost (almost) make winter fun.

{ GAP sweater, c/o my sister, Levi’s jeans, Derek Lam sunglasses }

Sometimes I stumble upon old photos that make me so nostalgic I have to call home immediately.  These were taken over Christmas by my sister, my all-time favorite partner in crime. We have the absolute best time doing anything (or nothing, which might be our speciality actually) – miss you Piper!

Last week I was in L.A. for a video shoot for an upcoming project. Even though I was working I couldn’t have been more excited to be in the sunshine, spend my free moments with friends, and eat at some of my favorite spots from when I used to live there (specifically Joan’s on Third where I had a total of three lunches).

I had a great dinner at Nobu, did a little shopping at a great new store on Beverly called Espionage, saw my friend’s new babies, and had a very late, very fun night at The Roger Room. I have to admit, it was a little tough to come back to the snowy streets– dare I say, I miss it already?

P dot s, don’t forget to enter my InPink jewelry giveaway!

{ plates at Heath }

{ Katy and Ari’s baby girl Stella B }

{ Santa Monica Sunset }

I read somewhere that “a party isn’t a party without deviled eggs”. Which might be why they are always present at Crowell-family events — traditionally made by my Aunt Malinda. This year she shared her recipe with me, and while not quite as perfect, they were quite tasty (or so my foodie uncle from New Orleans assured me).

Creamy Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

8 large eggs
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and ground pepper
Paprika and chives for garnish

Place eggs in a medium saucepan; add cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil. Remove pan from heat; cover, and let stand 13 minutes. Drain, and place eggs in ice water to cool them. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar. Peel eggs, and halve lengthwise; remove yolks, leaving whites intact. Transfer yolks to bowl with mayonnaise mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth, or put through a ricer if you have one. Pipe yolk mixture into whites. Sprinkle with paprika and chives just before serving, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 8 hours.

I spent this long weekend out-of-town in a large, cozy, non-New York apartment (read: big kitchen). Instead of venturing out into the cold, we stayed in making shrimp and grits for dinner and chocolate peanut butter cookies for dessert. While I adore nothing more than cooking next to someone, coordinating movements, taste testing, agreeing on seasoning; the beginning, pouring over the cookbook, looking at pictures, reading aloud ingredients– I love that part almost more.

My current collection includes, from top to bottom, The Dean & DeLuca cookbook, Gourmet Today, Barefoot in Paris, Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home and The Four Seasons Cookbook.

My cousin Claudine picked up this vintage silver sugar spoon for me as a Christmas gift. She spotted the initials peaking out from a glass case in her local antique shop and thought of me (and second Lauren from The Hills). The beautifully curved letters are so me– I think it has inspired a new collection.

The holidays may be over, but I have a present for you all. INPINK.com, the website where I found this great bracelet, is giving away 50 (yes, 5 – 0 ) $40 gift certificates. Enter by doing the following and I’ll let you know at the end of the month if you’re a winner.

1. Leave a comment here with your name and info.

2. Follow me on Twitter and Bloglovin’

3. “Like” INPink on Facebook.

See, easy peezy.

(this contest is for US residents only, the winners will be picked at random).

{ Rebecca Taylor dress and scarf, Inhabit sweater, Ash boots c/o, Jo “Max” bag, vintage necklaces and rings, Jewelmint bracelet c/o}

♫♪ Adele — Make You Feel My Love