Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

Is there anything better than gathering around the table with your family eating delicious home-cooking? Yes: wine. I pulled together a little something-something to help you pair your favorite comfort foods with the most important beverage of the day. This year I am thankful for Niall Horan's snapchat account. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

Beaujolais and Turkey

Okay maybe I have a sweet spot in my heart for Beaujolais (it was practically all I drank in France) but there's a reason this wine is widely sold this time of year. The light Gamay grape is not as harsh on the palette paired with the signature holiday bird. You might as well just buy 12 bottles while they're in stores.

Zinfandel and Cranberry Sauce

I know what you're thinking: "two spicey things, Lexi?" YAS GIRL HAVE SOME ADVENTURE! The spice-notes in a nice, bold Napa Zin will pair excellently with the clove and nutmeg of your mom's cranberry sauce. Why be boring?

Gewürztraminer and Apple Pie

Mainly I just wanted an excuse to say Gewürztraminer. But a sweet white paired with the warm apple-cinnamony goodness of American apple pie sounds like my kind of Thursday night. Make it à la mode and I'll be at your place in 5.

Chardonnay and Mashed Potatoes

Would it be weird if I said this was my dinner every night I don't have plans? The chardonnay will bring out the creaminess of the potatoes and leave you in this absolute bliss. Ooh and you can be bold and add some roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes...your mouth and wine will thank me.

Fall Fit Series: What's in My Gym Bag?

Welcome to my Fall Fit Series! If there's one thing I do every other week, it's go on a health kick. I figure in order to justify stuffing my face during the holidays I need to work on getting fit and eating better now. I have a lot of parties and soirees to attend these next few months and it's my goal to look my best for them all! Take this fitness journey with me by tagging me on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #fallfitwithduchess. Cheers!

Sensing a bit of deja vu? That's because I did this post when I first started my blog back in the day (still have the same bag and everything awwww). My FitBit is my best friend so hitting my steps is my main goal everyday. In order to ensure I crush my goal, I go to the gym everyday at lunch. I wish it was justifiable to wear Nike leggings and a sports bra to work, but I don't work for Google (yet) so I bring my gym bag with me everyday to change into. That means some essentials are needed so I don't head back to the office smelling like blood, sweat, and tears.

Leggings - Nike leggings are my heart and soul. Do yourself a favor and head on over to Nordstrom Rack to get these puppies at a discount. Plain black, camo, polka dot...there are so many options and they fit like a glove. Nothing better than showing off that booty, amiright?

Armband for Smart Phone - Since I discovered armbands my life hasn't been the same. It's so much more convenient to have your music attached to your arm than sitting on the treadmill ready to fall. In fact, I'm in the market for some wireless headphones (recommendations please) so that my music is completely hands free!

Deodorant - Needs no explanation.

Mini Flat Iron - Sweat + my thick hair = disaster. I always have dry shampoo on me but sometimes that just isn't enough, so when I discovered they make MINI flat irons (bless Sephora) I knew I had to get one. It's tiny enough to not take up too much room in my bag and is perfect for those last minute touches before I head out the locker room.

Hair Ties - Again these don't need an explanation, but I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten a hair tie so now I have an entire package in my bag just in case.

Makeup Palette - When wanting quick touchups before I head back to work, an all-in-one palette is perfect. I use tarte's Rainforest After Dark palette because it has eye shadow, blush, bronzer, and a highlight so I can give everything a little boost before finishing my day.

Perfume - I do take a rinse in the shower before changing back into my work clothes, but I still feel like I need a little scent boost after a workout. My favorite thing is to carry a different little perfume sample each week so my scent is forever changing. I have a reputation of always smelling good so IT'S A LOT OF PRESSURE OKAY?!



What's in your gym bag? Let me know with #fallfitwithduchess

Fall Fit Series: My Workout Playlist

Welcome to my Fall Fit Series! If there's one thing I do every other week, it's go on a health kick. I figure in order to justify stuffing my face during the holidays I need to work on getting fit and eating better now. I have a lot of parties and soirees to attend these next few months and it's my goal to look my best for them all! Take this fitness journey with me by tagging me on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #fallfitwithduchess. Cheers!


If there's one thing that is essential for me at the gym, it's music.  I love escaping into the song I am listening to and running my heart out. Sometimes it's hard to find the right songs that motivate you, that's why I want to share with you what gets me pumped up (yes, it's a lot of boybands). Share some of your tunes with me with #fallfitwithduchess on Twitter and Instagram!

My Workout Playlist

Sunburn Remedies

Well it finally happened to me. My first sunburn of the summer. I'm usually SO careful but apparently sunscreen cannot compete with a day of kickball! The worst part about sunburn besides the inevitable risk of skin cancer and wrinkles? The peeling. Oh god the peeling! No one wants to talk to you when you look like the creature that crawled out of the sun. My face got the brunt of it this weekend, and let's just say makeup is a death sentence right now. However I've discovered a few key products that should help the peeling process and let you look as good as new!

Sunburn Remedies

Don't Wear Foundation

Especially if you use $39 foundation like some people we know (me). It's a waste because it's going to crease like crazy and make your skin look even more patchy than it already does. If you really feel like you need something, try a tinted moisturizer so at least your skin can absorb it.

Exfoliating Wipes are a Gift from Heaven

You know all that dead skin that's peeling from your face? That's where the exfoliating wipes come in handy. They will scrub away all the bad stuff and leave your skin nice and smooth and flake-free. My new found favorite product are these wipes from Olay. They smell really good and the scrubby part is not too harsh on my sensitive face.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

After you exfoliate, HYDRATE YOUR SKIN! Your skin is already so dry from being damaged that it needs all the moisture it can get. I love this gel moisturizer from Garnier because it's super lightweight and absorbs quickly. At night you should also make sure to put on a night cream since our skin loses moisture while we sleep. You can also drink plenty of water so your skin stays plump and healthy!

Keep Out of the Sun

Just because your skin is already burnt doesn't mean it needs an extra layer of damage. If you are going out to the beach or somewhere where you know you'll be exposed to direct sunlight, WEAR SPF! Or at the very least wear a hat that will keep your face out of the sun's rays. Your skin needs time to heal!

WTW: Rock Business Casual

I love buying work clothes, can I just say that right off the bat? While I wish I could live in band tees and Nike leggings, there's something about classy business clothes that make my heart happy. I work in a casual office where jeans are acceptable, so I don't tend to dress up unless I'm going to an event or something out-of-office. But I believe my business background has taught me a thing or two about what is workplace appropriate and I thought I'd give you a little guide to help you if you're a recent grad thrown into the mix or even a (1 year) veteran like me who needs some fresh ideas!

What to Wear: Rock Business Casual

There are a few basics to business casual wear; number one being to keep things relatively neutral. A pop of color here and there is fine (I usually add it in the shoes), but generally sticking to white, black, and brown is the way to go. This can easily be done with one of my favorite things: a little black dress. Paired with simple jewelry and heels, you will look put together and poised.

BCBGMAXAZRIA shift dress / Jimmy Choo red pumps / Pomellato rose gold jewelry / Smashbox lipstick

But let's get real -- a full day in stilettos can be exhausting. Dressing down in flats is not really dressing down at all, especially if they look nice! A sleek flat with a pointy toe can easily replace a fancy heel any day of the week. I prefer to wear flats with skirts because otherwise my pants drag and get dirty and there is nothing tackier than a frayed pant hem!

Alexander McQueen zipper pencil skirt / Accessorize black bow flat / Carolee imitation pearl earrings / Michael Kors hinged cuff bracelet/ Marc jacobs shirt

Another essential to a business casual wardrobe is a blazer. You can wear a blazer with practically everything! Dress, skirt, pants...blazers make any outfit a touch more professional. A cropped blazer is perfect for when it's warmer out and you don't want to be sweating at your desk all day, but you can always swap out for a nice light-weight cardigan!

Miu Miu structure shirt / Theory cropped jacket / Etro cigarette pants / Pointed toe shoes / Kate Spade watch / Allurez gold pearl earrings

Let me know some of your business casual must-haves in the comments below!

May Favorites

Ah, May. My favorite month of the year. In the beginning of the month there's my birthday and then by the end there's the official start of summer on Memorial Day. It's just the greatest month out of the year, honestly. I've discovered quite a bit of new things this month and I'm excited to share my favorites with you!

May Favorites

Netflix Favorites

Somm: Into the Bottle - A documentary about wine...is there anything else that screams "Lexi watch this?" No. If you know too much about wine comme moi, or even if you know nothing you should watch this movie. It's crazy how much detail goes into every bottle of wine that is produced. More than anything it's an art form and French Champagne is a Monet.

Food Favorites

Sriracha Triscuits - Do you remember Hot Fries or was that just a New Jersey suburban craze? Well if you do remember those bad boys, these tastes EXACTLY THE SAME except with half the chemicals (I think). I usually am not a fan of the fiber taste of Triscuits but when I saw these at the grocery store I knew I had to give them a try and I'm so happy I did. Spread a little Laughing Cow wedge on one and you'll probably drop dead of utter bliss.

Vinho Verde - I usually reserve my warmer months strictly for rosé sipping, but since my recent discovery of Vinho Verde I think I can make an exception. I went for a Gazela which is almost light green in color (hence the name) and so crisp it's like biting into a juicy green apple. Mix it with a little Sprite for a wine spritzer! 

App Favorites

Venmo - Okay college me could have seriously used this app. You know how you go out to eat with friends and you cover the tab because they'll "pay you back?" Well with this app they will actually be forced to follow through! You can link your bank account or credit/debit card so that transactions to your friends are that much easier. My coworker used it for a bachelorette party and it worked out perfectly because each bridesmaid could pay her back right away with just the tap of a button. You can even use it for rent/utility bills with your roommate! So convenient.

DuoLingo - Nous savons que je parle français, and that is in large thanks to this app. I can practice everyday for 15 minutes and it helps immensely. This app is also how I'm learning Italian and Russian! It's a great tool for those who want to first learn a language or brush up on their skills. There are so many languages to choose from and if you are going on vacation abroad I suggest learning some basic language skills using this app! You can even learn flirtation phrases which is how I plan to land my soon-to-be French husband.




Let me know your May favorites in the comments below!

About the Blogger

I'm baaaaaaack! With the holiday weekend here I finally have enough time on my hands to crank out a bunch of quality content for ya. ;) I know I promised a bunch of new posts and then went missing for a few weeks, but I am back in action I SWEAR! I have a lot of ideas my fingers are itching to write but in the meantime I thought I would do a little "get to know me" post to satisfy your needs.

About the Blogger

1. What is your middle name? Kathleen! Alexandra Kathleen...if that doesn't scream royalty I don't know what does. *cough* marry me Prince Harry *cough*

2. What was your favorite subject in school? I always loved computer class! Or history I'm such a nerd.

3. Favorite drink? Pouilly Fumé Sauvignon Blanc, Diet Coke, non-fat cappuccinos 

4. What's your favorite song at the moment? Perfect by One Direction. Now, always, and forever.

5. What would you name your children? Audrey or Jacqueline for a girl, Jack or Frank for a boy.

6. Do you play any sports? I played softball and rugby in high school, but now my only sport is drinking an entire bottle of wine in one sitting.

7. Favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird

8. Favorite color? Pink

9. Favorite animal? A fox!

10. Signature scent? For day, Oh Lola! by Marc Jacobs. For night, Black Opium by YSL.

11. Favorite holiday? Halloween

12. What's the last thing you bought? A card for someone

13. Have you been out of the country? Yes a bunch. Last time was Paris :(

14. Do you speak any other languages? French and I am learning Italian and Russian!

15. Any siblings? My big brother Daniel

16. Favorite store? Nordstrom...hands down.

17. Favorite restaurant? Panzano in Downtown Denver

18. Last time you cried? Yesterday I was watching an astronaut documentary hahahaha

19. Favorite blog? We Wore What

20. Favorite movie? American: Breakfast at Tiffany's; French: Les Intouchables (it will make you cry; Cartoon: Hercules

21. Favorite TV show? The Walking Dead, Gossip Girl, Mad Men, LOST

22. PC or Mac? Mac. Hands down.

23. What phone do you have? Gold iPhone 6

24. How tall are you? 5'9" aka Cher Horowitz envies me

25. Celebrity crush? HAH um Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Norman Reedus, Andrew Lincoln, Bradley Cooper, Sam Claflin, Ben Affleck

Business Lunch Spotlight

Sorry I've been MIA with my posts lately! Between work, packing, and trying to have a social life, I haven't had time to come up with ideas and write down some solid posts. I promise that will change and I will be sure to get back in action!

Working downtown again means my options for lunch are astronomical. If I'm craving sushi, a burrito, or even a nice, juicy hamburger -- downtown has it all. With only an hour to spare I have to make sure that the places I go will not only serve delicious food, but get it to me in a timely manner! In these posts I'll be sharing some of my favorite lunch spots in Denver...and maybe even other cities if I'm on a business trip!

Spotlight: 5280 Burger Bar

Business Lunch Spotlight

If there's one thing I love, it's food in eggroll form. Hence I went with the cheeseburger eggrolls which were just as amazing as they sound. The dipping sauce they came with was like Big Mac sauce mixed with fancy French mustard...aka a win-win all around.

Cheeseburger Eggrolls

The best part of business lunches? Going out with your coworkers! That way if someone gets something you want to try you can always steal a bite. Two of my coworkers decided to go with the "I Can't Decide" which gave them two big sliders of the regular burgers to try! A perfect option for those who (like me) look at a menu and go "I WANT IT ALL!"

Sliders of the Vail Valley and the Durango Burgers

The burgers here were SO good and I will definitely be coming back. There's so much to choose from that I feel like I need to keep going until I try them all. Plus I'm mad at myself for not getting one of their milkshakes because they have a little ice cream parlor in the restaurant! Talk about adorable.

Fried Cheese Burger

Let me know some of your favorite lunch spots in the comments below!

Wine and Cupcake Pairings

We all know I'm sommelier of sorts (not) and one of my favorite things to do in my spare time is try and pair my favorite wines with my favorite foods. It can be tricky at times (does ANYTHING pair well with sushi?) but most of the time something clicks and the result is amazing. In this post I want to share with you some of my top pairings with my favorite dessert EVER -- cupcakes! Picture credit will be given at the bottom of each photo because I am no professional photographer when it comes to dessert. Happy tasting!

Wine and Cupcake Pairings

Chardonnay and Buttercream Frosting

Cupcake Credit: Two Sister's Crafting

Recommended Wine: 2013 4 Foxes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley, CA

Tempranillo and Red Velvet

Cupcake Credit: Cooking with Manali

Recommended Wine: 2011 Bodegas Bilbainas Vina Zaco Rioja Tempranillo, Logroñom, Spain

Pinot Grigio and Salted Caramel

Cupcake Credit: Deliciously Yum

Recommended Wine: 2013 Alois Lageder "Porer" Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy

Riesling and Confetti

Cupcake Credit: Baker by Nature

Recommended Wine: 2013 Hans Pfeiffer Spatlëse Riesling, Mosel, Germany

Champagne and Snickerdoodle

Cupcake Credit: Sally's Baking Addiction

Recommended Wine: Pommery Brut Silver, Riems, France

Pinot Noir and Oreo

Cupcake Credit: The Melrose Family

Recommended Wine: 2012 Animist Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA

Bisou bisou

Book List for Winter 2016

I feel like every time I open an email from the Skimm or see an Instagram post, I am constantly jotting down a list of what books I need to read. This list has gotten insanely long, and I'm beginning to think I need to take a deep breath and calm down. My preferences for books vary, but anything funny or shocking is definitely at the top of my list. I'm going to share with you what's on my "To Read" list and what books I've already read THAT YOU NEED TO READ IMMEDIATELY!

Book List for Winter 2016

Book Recommendations

White Girl Problems by Babe Walker -- If you enjoy sarcastic books about ego-centric 21st century rich bitches, then this book is right up your alley. While I don't consider myself too self-centered (maybe), I feel like anyone can relate to Babe's emotions and relationships throughout this book. She may be privileged and spoiled rotten, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have feelings, too. Look -- this book is satire about moronic white privilege so if you can't take a joke then don't read it, okay?

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll -- OH MY GOD! This book was so good I finished it in a weekend. If Gone Girl is more your style of genre -- buy this book. Ani FaNelli seems to be the perfect woman living a glamorous life in NYC with her handsome fiancé. Ani is asked to be in a documentary about the Bradley School, her prestigious high school, and soon her life and lies start to unfold into SOMETHING SO SHOCKING I HONESTLY SCREAMED OUT LOUD! This book is so dark but so entertaining and if you have any good taste at all you'll love this book.

To Read List*

Nice is Just a Place in France by the Betches -- LOOK, MAYBE YOU’RE A NICE GIRL, but we’re guessing you’re more like us or you probably wouldn’t have picked up this book. Not that we have a problem with girls who are nice people. But being nice is just not the way to get what you want. And this book is about getting what you want. Not in like a finding happiness, giving back to the world, being grateful for what you have sort of way. But in a ruling your world, being the most desired, powerful badass in the room way, so you can come out on top of any situation: guys, career, friends, enemies, whatever. How does a betch make that happen?  Here are some highlights: 
DON’T BE EASY. 
DON’T BE POOR. 
DON’T BE UGLY. 
We didn’t come up with these life lessons. We’re just the ones who wrote it all down. This is not self-help. Self-help is for fat people and divorcées. This is how to deal with your problems when you have no problems. You’re welcome. [From reading reviews this book sounds similar to White Girl Problems in it's satirical humor. So again, if you don't take it with a grain of salt, don't read it.]

How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are by Anne Berest -- From four stunning and accomplished French women -- at last -- a fresh and spirited take on what it really means to be a Parisienne: how they dress, entertain, have fun and attempt to behave themselves.
In short, frisky sections, these Parisian women give you their very original views on style, beauty, culture, attitude and men. The authors--Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas -- unmarried but attached, with children -- have been friends for years. Talented bohemian iconoclasts with careers in the worlds of music, film, fashion and publishing, they are untypically frank and outspoken as they debunk the myths about what it means to be a French woman today. Letting you in on their secrets and flaws, they also make fun of their complicated, often contradictory feelings and behavior. They admit to being snobs, a bit self-centered, unpredictable but not unreliable. Bossy and opinionated, they are also tender and romantic. 
You will be taken on a first date, to a party, to some favorite haunts in Paris, to the countryside, and to one of their dinners at home with recipes even you could do -- but to be out with them is to be in for some mischief and surprises. They will tell you how to be mysterious and sensual, look natural, make your boyfriend jealous, and how they feel about children, weddings and going to the gym. And they will share their address book in Paris for where to go: At the End of the Night, for A Birthday, for a Smart Date, A Hangover, for Vintage Finds and much more.

The Children Act by Ian McEwan -- Fiona Maye is a leading High Court judge who presides over cases in the family division. She is renowned for her fierce intelligence, exactitude, and sensitivity. But her professional success belies private sorrow and domestic strife. There is the lingering regret of her childlessness, and now her marriage of thirty years is in crisis. At the same time, she is called on to try an urgent case: Adam, a beautiful seventeen-year-old boy, is refusing for religious reasons the medical treatment that could save his life, and his devout parents echo his wishes. Time is running out. Should the secular court overrule sincerely expressed faith? In the course of reaching a decision, Fiona visits Adam in the hospital—an encounter that stirs long-buried feelings in her and powerful new emotions in the boy. Her judgment has momentous consequences for them both.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie -- "Ten . . ."

Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island mansion off the Devon coast by a mysterious "U. N. Owen."

"Nine . . ."

At dinner a recorded message accuses each of them in turn of having a guilty secret, and by the end of the night one of the guests is dead.

"Eight . . ."
Stranded by a violent storm, and haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one . . . as one by one . . . they begin to die.

"Seven . . ."
Which among them is the killer and will any of them survive?

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid -- At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.
Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?
In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?
Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.

*I grabbed the descriptions of all these books from Amazon. Enjoy!



Let me know your recommendations in the comments below!


Until next time my loves x.