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CUTE WORKOUT CLOTHES


Thank you all for the positive feedback on my new 101 in 1001 list! There's something about setting goals for yourself, putting pen to paper, and sharing them with all of you that makes me that much more excited to get started. I'm actually in the midst of #5 (not shopping for the month of January, eeek!) but of course I find myself making little wishlists for once I can shop again. #19 on my list is to find a friend to join me for Pilates and yoga and start going at least a few times a week. I really enjoy it when I go but I miss having my mom around to take classes together. In any event, I'm thinking a few new workout wear purchases are in order to help motivate me...


I've also been living in this racerback tank from Thomas Kelly — the fabric is so soft for workout clothes! What's your workout regimen? Any favorite workout wear? I need all the help I can get ;)



MY SECOND 101 IN 1001 LIST!


I'm so excited to share that I've posted my second 101 in 1001 list! After crossing off 79 tasks on my first list, I couldn't be more excited to achieve more goals this time around. Please check out my new list in its entirety right here and tweet me if you decide to write your own so I can link up! Let's make things happen, people. I'M SO EXCITED!!!

VIDEO {HOW TO MAKE HOLLANDAISE SAUCE}


Just when you never thought you'd see the day... A recipe post on Design Darling! My brothers bought me the cutest apron for Christmas (in the kids' size, ha!) as a cute little costume for our second ever video post. This recipe is a family favorite — it's great over asparagus or broccoli for vegetarians like me and it comes straight from my grandfather's cookbook (which we typed up, bound, and gave to my grandmother two Christmases ago — best reaction ever!). Without further ado, Hollandaise sauce à la the Horan family...


For six servings, you'll need:
1 stick of butter
7 egg yolks (1 yolk for each person plus 1 for the pot)
1/4 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half if you're watching your waistline)
1/8 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 dashes of white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2-3 twists of white pepper from pepper mill

Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a double boiler over low heat.

2. Mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk well.

3. Once butter is melted, add the other ingredients to the top of the double boiler.

4. Whisk ingredients together with butter until Hollandaise starts to thicken.

5. Remove the double boiler from the stove and continue beating with the whisk until desired consistency is reached.

6. Pour out hot water from double boiler and refill with cold water. Return double boiler to low heat and stir Hollandaise occasionally.

7. If you need the Hollandaise to wait while the rest of your meal is prepared, it will hold its consistency for up to an hour with occasional stirring and exchanging boiling water in double boiler base with cold water from the tap. Should you lose consistency, add a bit more cream, melted butter, and lemon to taste.

8. Serve while hot over steamed asparagus or as a topping for eggs Benedict (after a puppy taste test, of course!).

P.S. Subscribe to the Design Darling Youtube channel to be the first to know about future videos!


WEEKEND IN ATLANTA!

My mom and I had so. much. fun. in Atlanta this weekend. We picked up a ton of new goodies for Design Darling (I am so excited to roll them out in the coming weeks!!!) and made a little time to take you up on some of your fabulous travel recommendations. Here are a few moments from our trip...


AmericasMart is huge. I've been to trade shows in New York before but really nothing could have prepared me for just how massive this space is: three buildings, eighteen floors, lots of ugly design, and a few really awesome hidden gems just perfect for Design Darling! :)


I was so excited to finally see Ann Mashburn's space in person! The store is beautiful, the salespeople are so stylish I wanted to snap their pictures, and I could have bought one of everything in the store. A must-see!


I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. I'm not a crazy flavors kind of girl but the coffee ice cream at Jeni's was dee-lish.


I got to meet up with two of my college roommates who are living in Atlanta. We had a super casual catch-up night over margaritas at Tacqueria del Sol — I highly recommend. I hadn't seen either of them in eighteen months but we just picked up right where we left off. I love friends like that and I loved seeing them both so happy.


My mom and I wrapped up our weekend with brunch at Sun In My Belly. I was obsessed with these colorful mason jars... And the food was out of this world. The perfect end to a perfect trip! Note to self: get back to Atlanta ASAP! 

WEEKEND WARDROBE

Mango dress ($79!)  //  T+J Designs necklace  //  J.Crew clutch  //  Kate Spade riding boots (on sale!)

I bought these Kate Spade riding boots and it was basically love at first sight when they arrived this week. (Although you should order a half size up if you're on the fence!) Unfortunately it's been such a rainy/slushy/snowy mess in New York that I've been afraid to wear them outside my apartment. Thankfully my mom and I are on our way to Atlanta (thank you SO much for all your recommendations!) so I'll finally be able to wear them in weather that isn't downright miserable. Have a good one and be sure to follow along on Instagram!




YOU NEED THIS DRESS.


I know it's so cold outside you can barely think, but... Consider this your public service announcement for the dress of spring/summer: Mink Pink's scalloped little white dress. For all of you who couldn't get enough of J.Crew's scalloped dress this past summer, this is a no-brainer, especially because — get this — it's only $71. I KNOW. I have a feeling this baby will sell out before the temperature gets above freezing so order yours right here!

P.S. My favorite dress from last summer is still available too!

NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: EAST POLE


What: Saturday brunch at East Pole with Amy and Carly

Where: 133 E. 65th Street, Upper East Side

Why: Avocado toast, navy leather banquettes, Slim Aarons photographs in the bathroom, and vintage maps galore

Wearing: Oversized cashmere and vintage Ray-Bans

*All photos by Amy Stone

Keep up with Design Darling


ATLANTA RECOMMENDATIONS?


My mom and I are headed to Atlanta this weekend to do a little buying for the boutique! I've only ever gone to trade shows in New York so I'm excited to branch out and see what the south has in store (and extra excited to have my mom in tow!). 

I've actually never been to Atlanta so I can't wait to explore the city and meet up with my friend Sara from college. I've been dying to visit Ann Mashburn since interviewing her for Matchbook a couple years ago but I'd love to hear any other recommendations you have for can't-miss shopping and dining... Thank you in advance! xx


BELGRAVE CRESCENT


I've long adored Roséline's blog This Is Glamorous and was delighted to discover her new line Belgrave Crescent. Hatched as an idea to create a luxe leather iPad case, the line has expanded to include gorgeous bespoke handbags made in England. Their lookbook has me daydreaming of a spring picnic — and the perfect bag to go with it.


A LITTLE BIT OF LEOPARD


Let's start the new year with a little walk on the wild side, shall we? I do love a little bit of leopard — emphasis on little. Very few people can pull off a leopard coat, for instance, but a leopard clutch or pillow? Easy and instant chic. Below, a few picks in my favorite animal print...

P.S. Want a little leopard for less than $20? Get the look from my boutique with this or these!






*Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

OUTFIT {CLUB MONACO SWEATER}



Say hello to one of my favorite Christmas presents... This adorable pom pom hat from Club Monaco. Thanks Reilly! I've been wearing it pretty much nonstop since I opened it on Christmas morning — I know the pom pom is a little big but it makes me so very happy! Oh and the leather detail on this sweater? Club Monaco does it again.

I'm also obsessed with these Yosi Samra flats. They're navy and black (a color combo you know I love) with the sweetest little bow — and they fold up when you're not wearing them, making them the perfect ballet flat for traveling. I'm actually in Dallas for New Year's and they were the first thing I tossed in my suitcase! 

P.S. I've received a few emails about my favorite jeans... They do run true to size but, if you're between sizes, I recommend ordering one size down as they do stretch a bit over time. I hope that helps! Happy New Year everybody!!!

GOODBYE 2013, HELLOOO 2014!


I think I say this every December but I can't help myself... What. A. Year. 

I moved to New York with my puppy, made amazing new friends, decorated my first apartment, grew my business, partnered with some really awesome bloggers and brands, traveled all over the country (Salt Lake City, Dallas, New OrleansDenver, and Boston!), spent lots of summer weekends in Central Park and on Nantucket, and finished the year on such a high note. I also wound up crossing 79 things off my 101 in 1001 list!

Truthfully though, this year was also a bit of a bumpy road for me. I had my heart broken, experienced every possible growing pain of running a small business, struggled with hurtful comments on my blog, and was even dumped by a boy I really liked — in a text message (#notcool). I try to keep things happy and upbeat around here but it definitely hasn't been all rainbows and pretty shoes behind the scenes.

I'm really, really looking forward to a fresh start. I have a lot of exciting projects on the horizon, awesome girlfriends by my side, a new boy in my life, and the most supportive family in the entire world... So bring it on, 2014. I'm ready for you!



WEEKEND WISHLIST


I hope you've all enjoyed a little time off this past week! We've had so much good food, watched way too many movies, and more than once forgotten what day it is... Exactly the kind of break I needed. Here's a little video we made in case you missed it!

If you've got a few gift cards from the holidays (or you're buying yourself what you really wanted for Christmas...), I've rounded up a few wishlist items in the slideshow below. Some are new arrivals for spring (say hello to my new favorite skirt!) and others are on mega sale (just snagged these riding boots for almost 50% off). Shop to it and have a great weekend! xx


A DESIGN DARLING CHRISTMAS!


My brothers Grayson and Camden put together this video of our Christmas morning and I thought you might like to see! Let me know what you think and whether you'd like to see a little more video content around here... I really love how this turned out! :)

P.S. I'm wearing Sleepy Jones pajamas and a Club Monaco hat!

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS


I'm so excited that Christmas is this week! The stress of holiday shipping (and shopping, if we're being honest) is finally behind me. Now I intend to soak up every last second of Christmas magic and family time... Bring. It. On.

We have a few traditions I always look forward to: delivering baked goods to the hospital where my mom works on Christmas Eve, passing around 'Twas The Night Before Christmas so each family member gets to read a page or two, and opening presents one by one from youngest cousin to oldest cousin so we all see every gift, reaction, etc. 

Do you have any favorite family traditions around the holidays? I'd love to hear!


*images 1 / 2 / 3

WEEKEND READING



Every girl will relate to this. Ha!

I bought this skirt — does it not scream Design Darling?

I can't stop staring at my friend Gray Malin's photos from Antarctica.

I created a few new Pinterest boards that I'm embarrassingly excited about.

Now on sale: this super chic "going out" top. (Does anyone else say that?)

A pretty new planner to start 2014 off right.


This family is seriously awesome.

Traveling for the holidays? My favorite weekend bag is back in stock (and only $70).