Ingredients:

• Challah Bread
• 6 Organic Free Range Eggs
• 1 1/2 Cups Organic Milk or Half and Half
• 4 Tbsp Almond Extract
• 1/2 Tbsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 Tbsp Fresh Grated Nutmeg
• 1 Vanilla Bean Scraped
• Pinch of Salt
• Grape Seed Oil
• Powdered Sugar
• Butter
• Pure Maple Syrup

Directions:

1. Slice challah bread into 1 inch thick slices.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla bean and salt in a shallow dish.
3. Heat oil in frying pan over medium heat.
4. Dip challah slices into almond egg mixture and fry on each side until golden brown. Keep in warm oven until ready to serve.
5. Enjoy with sprinkled powered sugar, butter, pure maple syrup and fresh berries (optional). – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

There’s coffee and there’s coffee and there is Caffe Luxxe. If your a West sider in Los Angeles chances are your very familiar with this coffee haven. Caffe Luxxe has re-introduced the art of coffee with their craftsmanship, artistic inspiration, traditional proportions and drinking temperature. They uses Northern Italian style espresso that offers rich taste that is never bitter or burnt. Their Coffee beans are ground fresh at the time of order and the final touch is the barista’s signature milk foam art. My Favorite is there Cafe Caremello… Perfect to indulge in on any given morning! – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

Swedish Singer, Lykke Li, has certainly come into her own with her sophomore album “Wounded Rhymes.” This passionate second album is perfect to carry you out till the end of the Summer. “Wounded Rhymes” is confidant, forceful and modern. Her bold statement songs and my favorites are “I Follow Rivers” and “Jerome.” If your not dancing about to these two… I question your taste in music. iTunes $11.99

A lady always shows respect and consideration for others while placing a premium on honesty and graciousness. A lady also knows how her individual choices may affect others and how easy it is to choose words and actions more wisely. If you missed out on cotillion as a child, I think it best to invest in an etiquette book. ‘Emily Post’s Book of Etiquette’ is great to look up and source any question you might have and a perfect addition to any Lady’s Library. In the meantime here are my top 10 tips for being a lady in modern day society. – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

1. Follow Through – Nobody likes a flaky person. Regardless of how busy your life has become with commitments to your Husband and Children, you should never agree to take on more than you can handle i.e.… rsvp-ing to events, lunches with friends or other engagements. When receiving an invitation, contemplate if you’ll be exhausted from a busy day and politely decline. Many people re-arrange their schedules and look forward to plans and get upset with last minute cancellations. If a cancellation is necessary, be sincere in your apology and reschedule as soon as possible.

2. Phone Etiquette – Calls should only be placed between the hours of 9:00am – 10:00pm.  Try to make a habit of returning calls within 24 hours of getting the message. When taking calls on your cell phone do consider other around you, keep conversations short and never discuss private matters in public. Your cell phone should remain in your purse and never be taken out during a meal. If need be excuse yourself from the table to check in with babysitters or any other emergencies. When in theatres or performances turn your phone to silent or off and avoid texting. Texting is extremely rude when in the presence of others.

3. Dressing Like a Lady – A lady always leaves something to the imagination, which is why one should choose to show a little leg or instead decide to accentuate your décolletage. When sitting down always cross your legs or ankles to avoid nearby peeping toms; it’s also important to practice getting in and out of cars without flashing the valet. (How to get out of a car without showing your knickers) Take the time to learn which dress codes are appropriate for certain occasions, for example if your invitation calls for “Cocktail Attire”, “Black Tie” or “White Tie,” would you know what is appropriate to wear? (Dress Code Guide)

4. It’s The Little Things – When a guest enters your home, do you offer them a glass of water or beverage of their choice? When arranging for a dinner party, do you remember if one of your dinner guests has a gluten allergy? When selecting a gift, is it something your friend mentioned they wanted? Just as a gentlemen would offer his coat if you were showing signs of being cold is how you should pay attention to small details. It’s a great way to show the people around you how much you care and are listening. Go the distance to make the people in your life feel incredibly special.

5. Always The Gracious Guest – Whether you have been invited over to a someone’s home for a dinner party, movie screening or cocktails, Never show up without a hostess gift. The gesture can be as small as a bottle of wine or dessert to as grand as having a flower arrangement delivered.

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