The countdown begins...12 days until my high school 10th reunion! Preparing for the momentous event has been a two-part process, I've found: self-reflection (always a blast) and retail therapy (to soften the pangs of part one).

The self-reflection phase was fairly predictable: I'm still single (boo-hoo) and "challenged" when it comes to balancing my checkbook; it's quite possible that I was smarter in high school than I am now; "friendly" creases have since nestled around my eyes; and I have a dead tooth that I didn't have then. But hey, at least I have my health! (Not counting the tooth, of course.)

The subsequent shopping spree was slightly less typical. I wasn't in the market for a full-on makeover. What I craved was a few pick-me-up pieces to punctuate the stuff I already have--inspiring accessories to lift me out of my dressing rut and transport me to a place where I could pretend to be that girl. You know who I mean: the one who was born chic (as others are born brunette), the one who makes plain jeans and tees look glamorous just by putting them on.

It took me a month (and a good part of a paycheck) to find the contents of my 10th Reunion Hope Chest, but I did succeed! Click below to see my loot.

A few years ago, I was at my aunt and uncle's home for dinner and I couldn't get enough of my aunt's salad. There was something magical in the dressing that kept me licking my lips after each bite, but I couldn't quite place what it was. "Tamari soy sauce," she revealed.

Tamari gives dishes some oomph in the same way that salt does, except that tamari's richer and nuttier on the palate. It's a great ingredient to mix with olive oil and garlic, for instance, as a base for sautéing just about anything. San-J is my brand of choice, and here is one of my favorite recipes:

Salad: Place all your chopped non-lettuce ingredients (tomato, avocado, onion, pepper...) in a bowl and toss with a mild vinaigrette (I love Brianna's French Vinaigrette). Then dribble tamari over the goodies, mix, and let marinate until you're ready to add the lettuce. Before serving, just add the lettuce, toss, sprinkle chopped nuts on top (pistachio nuts work really well), and feast.