Feeling Festive - Fashion, Home and Food!

I have felt pretty festive this year, even though we are doing a pretty Non Traditional Christmas - I think it will be a day at Universal Studios and lounging at our beach suite at Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. But I am living it up as much as I can, while I can!

During the Holidays you are allowed to wear things you wouldn't necessarily wear on say, Easter. I like faux fur, leopard and knee high boots year round but I saved this outfit for this special season.

Even though I didn't set up my tree this year I did a few Holiday touches to accent the fire we have had roaring almost every night!

I did act as my own Santa and bought myself a new Dutch Oven, in red of course so I will always remember when the pot joined my cooking family. I made my own version of Beef Stew in it last week, it was easy and delicious. 

I served it over mashed potatoes and it was perfectly satisfying. Don't you just love the plate? My sister bought a whole set for me! If you are interested in my recipe, check out and make it for yourself!

Melissa's Beef Stew

Ingredients
• 2 pounds stew beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups beef broth (I like my stew with extra gravy)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Dash ground allspice or ground cloves
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 1/2 package of mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions
Brown meat in hot oil. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Add carrots and mushrooms. Cover and cook 30 minutes longer. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly.