Happy Friday!  I apologize that this post is a little bit later in the day than usual, but you will have to excuse me because we were out late last night at our friends' apartment who hosted an amazing Living Luxe for Less dinner party!  I will write more about this dinner in the next few weeks, but for today I will focus on one of the delicious wines we chose for the party.
 

Whenever we go to a friend's home we are eager to bring something that will contribute to the party, and for last night's dinner my friend suggested that I bring a bottle of Prosecco for us to enjoy as an aperitif.  This worked out perfectly for me because Prosecco is one of my favorite wines!  I even had to make a special request that they serve Prosecco at our wedding because I think it is so refreshing and delicious!  Another thing I love about Prosecco is the cost...compared to other sparkling wines like Champagne, it is a very reasonably priced wine!
 

In planning today's post I realized that although I know that I love the way Prosecco tastes, I don't know much about it's origins.  To learn more about this wine I went to an expert...one of my closest friends, Amanda Reade Sturgeon.  Amanda is the sommelier at Dovetail in New York City, and besides being one of my favorite people, she has a diverse and extensive background in the world of food and wine.
 

When I asked Amanda about Prosecco's origins she told me, "Prosecco, both the grape and the wine it produces, generally comes from the Veneto region in Italy.  Veneto is a region north of Venice, and the wines from this area are classified as Prosecco di Valdobbiadene and Prosecco di Conegliano, which is considered to be of the highest quality."

And when it comes to the actual production of Prosecco, Amanda explained to me that unlike champagne, this wine is produced using a method called Charmat.  In this method of wine production the secondary fermentation (this creates the bubbles) takes place in stainless steel tanks rather than in the bottle, making the wine less expensive to produce.  This is why the bubbles in Prosecco are bigger than those in Champagne.

Amanda has told me about many amazing wines throughout the years, and it was about five years ago when she first introduced me to Prosecco.  Needless to say it was love at first sip!  Prosecco is relatively low in alcohol at about 11 to 12 percent by volume, and it is the perfect wine to share before a meal or on a warm summer day because of it's light, crisp, and refreshing flavor.

If you are interested in picking up a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy this weekend, here are a few of Amanda's recommendations...

Drusian Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, $11.99

Althea Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, $15.99

Col Vetoraz Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, $13.99

Sorelle Bronca Prosecco di Conegliano, $14.99

Another thing to note about Prosecco is that it does not ferment in the bottle like Champagne, and it can go stale with time.  So Prosecco is best when it is consumed young, or at least within two years.
 

Because Prosecco is best when it is consumed right away, we brought a bottle of Prosecco to to our friend's apartment last night that we had bought earlier in the month: Riondo Prosecco. 

Riondo Prosecco is lightly carbonated and slightly sweet with hints of citrus and pear.

At $9.99 this is a very reasonably priced wine, and it was a nice refreshing way to start our meal!  I would definitely recommend this wine for you to try, and we plan on buying it again soon.

In the meantime I plan on going out and buying a bottle of the Drusian Prosecco that Amanda recommended.  I can't wait to enjoy it this weekend!

In the months to come I plan on featuring more affordable and delicious wine recommendations from Amanda, but in the meantime you can follow Amanda on Twitter @browniewine!

Will you be drinking any Prosecco this weekend?

Happy eating and drinking!

I just found out that Tory Burch is having a private sale online!  Here is a link...

http://www.toryburchprivatesale.com/index_welcome.aspx

You just need to enter your email address and it will take you directly to the sale!

There are so many beautiful things, and the prices have been reduced by 50-60%!  And if that is not enough to entice you...

Here is a sneak peek at one of the items on sale.  This adorable yellow nylon bag has been marked down from $250 to $125.  What a great deal!  Tory you have done it again!

Happy Shopping!

Today's Wednesday Wildcard segment was inspired by my post yesterday about beach bag accessories and how to dress for less when going to the beach.  In this post one of the items that I included in my beach bag was the book, The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine, because this is the book that I am currently reading.
 

While I am thoroughly enjoying this book at the moment, the actual book in this post was not as important as what it represented to me...the importance of bringing a book to the beach, and the luxury of reading with your feet in the sand, as the sound of the waves crashes in your ears.  The simple fact is that I equate going to the beach, relaxing, or unwinding all with reading.  Virginia Woolf once wrote on the power of books, "Books are the mirrors of the soul."  I think Virginia was on to something...if you are feeling down, you are worried, or simply bored, when you pick up a good book it can have the power to bring you into someone else's soul, and completely change your spirit and your point of reference. 

For example, a book like Eat, Pray, Love, can take you to Italy, India, and Bali, and then through the entire emotional process of losing love, healing, and opening the heart up for love again...all in 400 pages or less!  These kinds of life experiences usually take a great deal of time and money, but you can experience all of this in one weekend when you curl up with a book on your sofa...and it's free.

So the next time you feel like you NEED to buy something to make yourself feel better, or you are depressed because you don't think that you will ever be able to take that trip to Italy, try and look on the bright side of things.  Think of everything that you DO have in your life that is fulfilling and good, and then think about all the books out there that you have never read.  And if a trip to Italy is what you're craving, but it's not in your budget right now, I suggest going to your local library and picking up Under The Tuscan Sun.  It might not be exactly the same as traveling to Italy, but I promise that you will almost be able to taste the gnocchi, sage, and butter....and it won't cost you a penny.  Now that is Living Luxe for Less!

Do you agree?  Is there any book that you loved reading so much, that it was more rewarding to you than  a new bag or a fancy trip?  I believe that I can think of several...

When I was creating today's LL4L "to the beach" post, I couldn't help but come across a few lust worthy items that were a little out of my price range, but that I  still had to admire!

So as a continuation to my Tuesday Fashion segment, I plan on occasionally following up these posts later in the day with a selection of higher priced items that I think would also look great with the day's outfit. 

These will be  items that are definitely splurges for me, but that will also be priced within reason.  I promise not to post anything that is so expensive that I would still have to be saving up for it when I am receiving social security!

I think this Fashion Follow-Up with a few splurges will provide a good contrast to the many discounted clothing and fashion accessories that I will be writing about in this space.  Especially because your one splurge is often what really "makes" an outfit, and ties your look together! 

So for today's post about a trip to the beach, here are a few items I would have loved to have taken with me if I had a little more flexibility with my budget...

44 Knots Lilac Octopus Medium Tote, $150.  Isn't this purse adorable?  I have been wanting a recycled sailcloth tote all summer, and I love how this bag has such an unexpected design!  And as an added bonus, the clever recycling of sailcloth also makes this bag eco-friendly!

Tory Burch White Beach Print Flip Flop, $45.  Ok so this item is not THAT expensive, but when you consider how reasonable rubber flip flops are these days, this item is still a splurge...but to me it is well worth it!  These flip flops are so cute, and they will definitely take you for a walk on the beach in style.

Ray Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses, $139.  Need I say more?  These are one of my most cherished accessories!  Ray Ban aviators are timeless and if you spend a little extra on your sunglasses to buy this classic pair, you will never regret it!  They go with everything and they will never go out of style.  And if this price is still a little high for you, try searching online for these shades at discount retailers like Amazon or Overstock.  Sometimes these websites have great deals on designer sunglasses!

And this was supposed to be one more splurge I had on my wish list for the summer...until I went online tonight and realized that this Lilly Pulitzer one-piece has been marked down from $138 to $49!  At more than 60% off, I think this might just have to come home with me!

Lilly Pulitzer Nautilus One Piece, $49

Do you have any summer splurges that you are still debating, or have you moved on to fall??

During the year I work on staff at an independent school, and I am lucky enough to get a very generous summer vacation.  This summer I enjoyed every minute of my break...spending time with my family and friends, taking trips, and of course starting this website, Living Luxe for Less!  But now that Labor Day is around the corner, my summer vacation has come to an end, and yesterday I went back to work.

So now that I am back to work and the sun is shining, of course I can't help but wish that I was still at the beach!

If I were headed to the beach today instead of the office, here are a few of the fashionable but affordable items that I would take with me!

There is one splurge in this outfit and that is the Roberta Roller Rabbit Kurta which is $70.  Although this item is on the expensive side, this is such a great purchase because you will get so much use out of it!  I wear my RRR tunics and pareos all summer long, and I get so many compliments on them!  This kurta top would also be great with white jeans and sandals, or an espadrille wedge...don't just save it for the beach!

In this outfit I would say that the tunic is the real stand-out piece, and then I have selected other attractive, but low priced items to finish off the look...

I love a good one-piece!  They are classic and chic, and also so comfortable!  This Old Navy swimsuit is a beautiful color, and surprisingly most sizes are still in stock so late in the summer.  It also has been marked down from $29.99 to $16.99 and it is a great deal!

This Essie Lilacism nail polish looks great with the green suit, and it is on sale for $4.99.

I know that no one wants to wear expensive jewelery to the beach, so I found these "cheap and chic" accessories to complete the outfit.  The bamboo bangles are only $1.50 for the set, and these starfish earrings are on sale for $14.99 at Overstock...two great deals!

This J.Crew straw bag is so versatile it will go with all of your outfits to the beach, will fit all of your things, and it is also on sale for $34.50.

The beach towels are also a great deal...$10 for the set so you don't have to go to the beach alone!

Of course no trip to the beach is complete without a good book and a refreshing cocktail.  I am almost finished with The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine, and if I were going to the beach today this would definitely be in my beach bag.  This book is fast paced and funny, and it is a great book for a day at the beach!  And doesn't this margarita look good?  Yummm!

Are you headed to the beach today?  If so, what will be in your beach bag?

This past week I went on vacation to Walt Disney World with my husband and his family.  During this trip we went on many rides, ate a lot of unhealthy food, and had our fair share of Disney character sightings! 

One of the highlights from of our trip was our family excursion to Epcot Center.  There are many fun rides at Epcot, but there is also a section where you can visit different countries.  Here you will find food, shopping, and architecture from a multitude of different cultures.

One thing I did not expect from this adventure was to be inspired by the design and architecture that I encountered while at Walt Disney World.  However, the Moroccan portion of Epcot is so beautiful, it was hard not to be inspired!  Here are a few pictures...

My husband and I in "Italy," and on our way to Restaurant Marrakesh in "Morocco" for dinner!

Entering Morocco and so excited to spot one of my favorite shapes...quatrefoils!

Another beautiful Moroccan inspired design...

I loved the clean lines and geometric shapes on the doors to the Restaurant Marrakesh.  I also loved the contrast of red and blue...

The wall outside the restaurant...and more "Majorelle Blue," a very common color in Moroccan designs.

The ceiling at the Restaurant Marrakesh.  I love the contrast of the intricately patterned tiles and the chevron stripes!

I was so inspired by these beautiful Moroccan designs that I left the restaurant wanting  to bring a little bit of Marrakesh back to our apartment in New York City!

Here are a few affordable Moroccan inspired pieces to update your home...Enjoy!

Moroccan Ottoman Leather Yellow Poof, Amazon, $100
White Metal Candle Lantern, Scott's Gifts N Things, $9.95
Khandara Swoop Arm Chair Jewel, Target, $299.99
Red Orange Lattice Pillow Cover, DIY Pillows on Etsy, $9.99
Argonne Rug Brown, Home Decorator's Collection, $29-$599
Votivo Moroccan Fig Candle, Amazon, $22.99
Quatrefoil Mirror, Ballard Designs, Orig. $269, SALE $159.99
Nurata Round Tablecloth, Anthropologie, Orig. $88, SALE $49.95
Indra Tea Set, Anthropologie, $12-$38
Andalusia Rug, West Elm, $39-$649
Scarf-Print Trivet, Anthropologie, $14
Brick Red and Brown Scroll Pillow Cover, DIY Pillows on Etsy, $9.99
Made in Morocco (Cookbook), Amazon, $21.37
Contents Ikat Weekender Brown, Target, $24.79
Straw and Leather 'Safari Chic' Tote, Overstock, $34.99

The weekend is almost here and if you are anything like me, there is a good chance that you are already thinking about what you are going to do for dinner on Friday and Saturday night.

It's so tempting to order in or go out to eat on the weekend because you have worked all week, you're tired, and you just want to treat yourself to a nice meal.  But surprisingly what my husband and I have often found is that when we stay in and cook it often tastes just as good, if not better than what we would get at a restaurant for a fraction of the price!

When I was catching up on a few magazines this weekend I came across Ina Garten's recipe for Tagliarelle with Truffle Butter and Stuffed Chicken in the June issue of House Beautiful, and I thought this would be a great recipe for a special dinner for two or for a dinner party!

This recipe requires very few ingredients, and almost every ingredient in this recipe is easy to find and very reasonably priced...except for the white truffle butter!  Truffles are an expensive and sought after ingredient because they can only grow in certain regions of the world, which adds to their allure.  The gastronome Brillat-Savarin once commented on truffles that they are "the diamond of the kitchen."  This recipe is "living luxe for less" because it is simple and easy, but the addition of the white truffle butter takes the dish to the next level without breaking the bank! 

Tagliarelle with Truffle Butter
Serves 4 or 5 for a side dish

- Kosher salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces white truffle butter
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 package (8.82 oz.) Cipriani tagliarelle or other egg pasta
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 3 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaved thin with vegetable peeler

1. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil.

2. Meanwhile, in a large (12-inch) sauté pan, heat the cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Add the truffle butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, lower the heat to very low, and swirl the butter until it melts. Keep warm over very low heat.

3. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for three minutes, exactly. (If you're not using Cipriani pasta, follow the directions on the package.) When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta to the sauté pan and toss it with the truffle-cream mixture. As the pasta absorbs the sauce, add as much of the reserved cooking water as necessary to keep the pasta very creamy.

4. Serve the pasta with a generous sprinkling of chives and shaved Parmesan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve at once.

Chicken with Goat Cheese and Basil
Serves 4 to 6

- 6 boneless chicken breasts with the skin on
- 8 to 10 ounces garlic-and-herb goat cheese, such as Montrachet
- Fresh basil leaves
- Good olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan. Loosen the skin from the meat with your fingers, leaving one side attached. Cut the goat cheese in 1/2-inch-thick slices and place one or two slices plus a large basil leaf under the skin of each chicken breast. Pull the skin over as much of the meat as possible so the chicken won't dry out. With your hands, rub each piece with olive oil and sprinkle very generously with salt and pepper. Bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, until the skin is lightly browned and the chicken is just cooked through. Serve hot or at room temperature.

I hope that you enjoy these recipes and that they can help you bring a little luxury to your dinner table at a moderate price.  Having a little truffle oil or butter on hand is a great way to elevate a dish to the next level, and a little will go a long way!  I have not tried this recipe yet, but I am looking forward to trying it very soon!

And if you are looking for a wine to pair with this meal, you could try the
Domaine St. Michelle Brut, a sparkling wine from Washington State.  This wine is typically priced between $11-$13, and according to the authors of The Wine Trials 2010, in a blind taste test, "More than two-thirds of tasters preferred a $12 Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut, a Washington State sparkling wine, to a $150 Dom Pérignon Champagne."

A sparkling wine will not compete with the intense flavors of the truffles in this dish, and the acidity in the wine will match well with the creamy and rich flavors in the pasta dish.

Is there a recipe or wine that you know you will be trying this weekend?

Have a great weekend everyone, and happy eating and drinking!

It's hard not to love just about everything from artist John Derian!  His line of classic and creative decoupage plates, trays, paperweights, and tabletop accessories can work in so many different settings, and they look great on their own or in a collection.  Because I love this company so much, it was very exciting for me when John Derian collaborated with Target two years ago to feature a line of home products at the popular discount store. 

The John Derian 2008 Collection for Target was such a hit, that I could not be more excited to discover that John Derian is once again doing a new collection for Target!

According to the Target Pressroom this new collection is inspired by John Derian's love of nature and vintage designs, and it will include both home decor and office accessories, all at an affordable price for $25 or less.  Here are a few items from the new collection:

This collection should be available at Target online and in stores on September 5, but sometimes these designer collaborations come out early, so keep your eyes open for it!

The Christmas Tree Shops are a chain of bargain stores that are known throughout the Northeast, but which originated in Cape Cod.  Although their name makes you think that these stores only sell Christmas accessories, the Christmas Tree Shops actually have a great selection of  items that range from home decor, kitchenware, food, toys, and linens.  And if you go to a Christmas Tree Shops near the beach there is a good chance that you will find a great assortment of discounted nautical  home accessories that you could use in your beach home.

The Christmas Tree Shops have such a vast selection of discounted items that I always make a point to visit one of their stores when I am in Cape Cod.  Last week when my family was visiting the Cape, I was lucky enough to stop by the Christmas Tree Shops in Orleans!  Here are a few highlights from my trip...

If you need seashells or sea glass this is where to buy it!  It's only a $1!

They had a huge selection of Nantucket baskets all for $3.99-$4.99!

A magnet board that says "Welcome to the beach"...wouldn't this be perfect in the entryway or kitchen of a house on the beach?  And it was only $6.99!

A starfish cutting board for cheese and crackers, $4.99.  They also had a sand dollar version!

Pink and Green desk pad...I bought this for my sister! $3.99

Although the Christmas Tree Shops originated in Massachusetts, they now have locations in 15 different states!  I believe it's a great resource for cheap, but attractive home accessories.  The next time you drive by one, you should check it out!