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Shrimp Stew

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Rustic and comforting, this tomato-based shrimp stew is gently spiced with fennel, allspice, and chili, balanced by a touch of sweetness and slow-simmered aromatics. It is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and begs for a crusty baguette to soak up every last spoonful of sauce. INGREDIENTS one pound of shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed one fourteen-ounce canned tomatoes a half cup of finely chopped parsley two jalapeños, finely chopped one red onion, chopped one cup of water three garlic cloves, sliced two tablespoons of olive oil one teaspoon of granulated sugar a half teaspoon of fennel seeds a quarter to half teaspoon of chili powder a quarter teaspoon of ground allspice salt to taste Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is warm, add the chopped red onion and cook until softened and translucent. Add the roughly chopped canned tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the sugar, a quarter teaspoon of chili powder, the fennel seed...
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Six Trash Bags to Clarity

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Cluttered. It is one of the most damaging states, physically and emotionally. We often speak of clutter as something physical, yet how can the mind remain clear when the space around it is not? Over the past year, clutter invaded both my space and my mind as I navigated a workplace shaped by toxic management. It spilled over first emotionally and then physically. Fatigue and labile hypertension drained me, stealing my ability to be intentional with my time and space. On weekends, I found myself trapped in bed, fast asleep. Movement that had once been effortless and woven into my daily rhythm disappeared, and with it went the balance I had worked so hard to maintain. I told myself I was doing okay, that resting when my body demanded it was enough. And yes, we must listen to our bodies. But I also praised myself for letting unfinished tasks linger, for abandoning healthy routines, for ignoring the agenda I had once relied on. I congratulated myself for being flexible with time, even as m...
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Style LookBook: December 2025

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December’s StyleLook arrives draped in timeless elegance—an ode to black, chic sophistication with a whisper of old-school glamour. Think Breakfast at Tiffany’s reborn for the modern woman: poised, refined, and effortlessly dressy. This is the kind of look that moves seamlessly through the day, commanding presence in the office before slipping, without missing a beat, into a dinner party where style truly matters. Classic silhouettes, luxe textures, and a hint of vintage allure come together to create a wardrobe moment that feels both iconic and entirely now. December never looked so polished. [DRESS] SELF-PORTRAIT Embellished Tweed Dress [HEELS] MACH & MACH Crystal Bow 110mm Pumps [GILET] MANIERE DE VOIR Lira Faux-Fur Belted Gilet [BAG] GIVENCHY Mini Antigona East-West Tote Bag [GLOVES] HIGH HEEL JUNGLE Florence Leather Opera Gloves While all items are curated by me, I earn commission from retailers on purchased items. Items shown are not shown in scale.
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Cilantro Chili Sauce

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The blender was already out on the counter, liberated from its usual spot on the shelf, and half a bunch of cilantro lingered from my Piri-Piri recipe testing. The stage, also known as the kitchen counter, was set. So I figured: why not? A few minutes of tinkering later, a vibrant green chili sauce came to life. This little burst of flavor confetti goes well with just about everything, but be warned: it’s highly addictive spooned over warm basmati rice. Consider yourself warned. Just blend all the ingredients listed below in a blender.  INGREDIENTS a garlic clove a half bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped a serrano pepper a red pepper a shallot, halved a lime, juiced a half cup of extra virgin olive oil a half teaspoon of salt, plus a pinch or two more to taste a Calabrian cherry chili pepper (from a jar)
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Style LookBook: November 2025

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It still feels like autumn at most — those late summer days when the heat slowly fades in Los Angeles — so I’m not quite ready to embrace winter. Staying true to my vibe, I curated a sophisticated look that whispers fierce. [TOP] NASTY GAL Twill Buckle V-Neck Halter Neck Top [SKIRT] DONNA KARAN Seam Faux Leather Pencil Skirt [HEELS] JEFFREY CAMPBELL Good Luck Pump [BAG] MARC JACOBS The Dakota Suede Tote Bag [ACCESSORY] HIGH HEEL JUNGLE Florence Leather Opera Gloves [COAT] MANGOSelection Classic Cotton Trench Coat While all items are curated by me, I earn commission from retailers on purchased items. Items shown are not shown in scale.
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Style Curated: November 2025

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’Tis the season to get cozy — effortlessly. While I count my blessings to call Southern California home — blissfully free from blizzards and snowdrifts — I find myself savoring the subtle shift in the air: the gentle rain, the golden light, and those perfectly chilled days that linger between 58° and 68°F. For November’s Style Curated, sweaters take the spotlight. Chosen for their timeless sophistication and effortless ease, they capture the very essence of the season — a graceful balance of comfort, texture, and understated chic. More than just a layer, the sweater becomes a statement in softness and style. Photo by Djordje Vukojicic on Unsplash [1] BANANA REPUBLIC Italian Wool-Blend Utility Sweater [2] LOULOU DE SAISON Homere Cashmere Sweater [3] BANANA REPUBLIC Midweight Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater [4] AMI PARIS + Net Sustain ADC Intarsia Wool Sweater [5] BANANA REPUBLIC Marled Cashmere-Merino Blend Sweater [6] ARCH4 Courchevel Embroidered Argyle Cashmere Sweater [7] BOTTEGA VENETA ...
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Chaos Among Serendipity

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Chaos. It’s a fitting word for the times we’re living in. Everything feels like it’s happening all at once. The federal government is shut down. Grocery prices are through the roof. The job market is sinking, and the housing market is completely unhinged. I read somewhere that utility bills are about to spike, too. Meanwhile, here in Los Angeles, it still feels like summer—despite the calendar insisting it's almost November. Climate change, anyone? Racists are confused about geography. Just a reminder: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen. Enough said. A basic grocery run now costs me around $100—and that’s without a bottle of Champagne. Businesses are still trying to navigate the ever-shifting tariff landscape. Is Trump still changing the rules on that? Journalists have handed in their press badges at the Pentagon. Universities are refusing to sign the Trump administration’s new federal grant pact. Has any school actually agreed to it? Meanwhile, in Souther...
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