Foodie Tuesday: A Pot of Tea

With summer heat in full swing, doesn't a cup of tea sound delightful...ok, so maybe not; but, perhaps iced tea will do the trick! After a trip to Teavana this weekend, my growing tea curiosity has reached a new height, where I purchased the absolutely most delicious loose white chai. While, I recently indulged in the decadent experience of high-end teas, I am also a huge fan of the simple tea bag. On numerous occasions this summer, I have opted to make a large pot of tea poured over ice instead of the tempting sparkling water or sugar-filled iced teas/juices. My current favorites teas are: Black Mango, White Pear Ginger, and Green Tea with Lemon (all found at Trader Joe's).

Muse Monday: Street Style

I confess, I have a full on obsession with Pinterest! Its a mecca of inspiration. Be it a great looking recipe, home decor envy, or fashion styling, Pinterest has it all in one location. At about the half-way mark of summer, a lot of us could use some summer inspiration to keep our looks fresh once we have exhausted our summer repertoire. So here is what is keeping me inspired to carry-out the rest of summer. Real girls, real looks, street chic!

Fashion Friday: My TopShelf II

Bring on the beauty! 

Part II, this is what I love and use daily to keep my face clear, hair shiny, skin radiant, and smelling good! I am currently in the midst of searching for a new great shampoo and conditioner...so when I find ones that I love I will share! Have a Beautiful Weekend! XOXO 

La Parfume: 

Burberry The Beat

Aqualina Pink Sugar Sensual 

Bvlgari au the Blanc 

Marc Jacobs Pear 

CK One Summer 

Lavender essential Oil 

My Hair Secret: 

The Mason Pearson Hair Brush

Worth the hype! If you don't have one, get one! 

Healthier hair is beautiful hair!

Extra SPF: 

Aveeno Naturaly Radiant Daily Moisturizer

Arizona Sun SPF 30

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 50

In the Tub: 

Mac Green Gel Cleanser 

Neutrogena Natural Purifying Scrub 

Venus Shaver

Dove Beauty Bar

A Wise Thought: Time Alone

"I think it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person." 

-Oscar Wilde 

At Home Wednesday: Frostin'

The Greatest Cupcake Tool! 

Want to make cupcakes that look like this?... 

Then use this tool! 

I love making cupcakes. Generally, who doesn't? However, what truly differentiates an average and yummy home-made cupcake from a high-brow decadent one is the technique used to apply the frosting.  I've tried the piping bag and fancy tip trick before, which disatrously resulted in frosting oozing out the tip and back of the piping bag, basically getting colored and sticky frosting everywhere! However, while in Oregon visiting my grandparents a few weeks ago, we visited a kitchen store in their quaint downtown. When I saw this piping tip, I knew this one would work. It had a large opening, simply stared shaped tip, which I think is the key. I used this tool to make cupcakes for my grandma's birthday that afternoon, and it worked like a dream! I used a large freezer size ziplock bag in favor of a pastry bag, a cheap trick....Red Velvet topped with aqua colored vanilla frosting, these cupcakes were dressed to impress! 

Pick one up at your local kitchen or craft store...when in doubt bake cupcakes! 

Foodie Tuesday: Summer Coleslaw

Summer Coleslaw (adapted from a Whole Foods slaw) 

On a hot summer day, my mom and I went to Whole Foods Market for lunch. Indecisive while peering through the many cases of delicious looking food, we decided to try the artichoke pesto pasta salad and the asian style coleslaw...Both were delicious, but the coleslaw was so refreshing and can't-stop-eating addictive. Looking at the ingredients posted on the label, the recipe was so simple and would be an easy recipe to mimic at home. I made a few alterations to the recipe adding dijon mustard and a little honey to perfect the dressing....I think it tastes even better than the original! Perfect for a light summer dinner side-dish or a late afternoon snack. Try it! 

 Add as much or as little of each ingredients as you like! Same goes with the dressing, experiment...a little of this and a little of that to your own taste. 


Ingredients:  
  Shredded Cabbage 
Sliced or Slivered raw almonds 
Chopped green onion
Toasted sesame seeds (if desired) 


The Dressing: 
Olive Oil 
Apple Cider or Rice Wine Vinegar
Dijon Mustard (I prefer country dijon) 
Lemon Juice 
Honey 

Oh Olivia....

Quite frankly, just as much as I and anyone who has watched MTV's The City would hate to admit it... Olivia Palermo has an exquisite eye for fashion! This girl always looks flawless, whether attending Paris Fashion Week or running errands with her boyfriend her look remains polished, trendy, and impeccably arranged. The key to her look--be fearless with pairings...who says you can't mix prints?...and accessorize accessorize accessorize. The right shoe, bag, and jewelry transform any outfit from fashionable to enviably spectacular! A true trend setter! 

Fashion Friday: Denim & Diamonds

While reading Marie Claire's July issue featuring Blake Lively, I was particularly struck by this spread shot by titled Denim & Diamonds. I love the pairings of denim, diamonds, and leather...the styling, hair, & make-up are spot on. Edgy, Sophisticated, BadAss!  Check it out! 

A Wise Thought: Make Everything Beautiful

At Home Wednesday: Coconut Oil

8 Awesome Uses for Coconut Oil 

From Mind Body Green 

From coconut gelato to body lotion, I find the scent of coconut to be completely intoxicating! I've been dying to coconut oil as a healthy cooking option...French toast using coconut oil? sounds amazing right? But, had yet to pull the trigger until I read "8 Awesome Uses for Coconut Oil" on the blog Mind Body Green, check out the entire article here....Not only can coconut oil be used in the kitchen bed in the bathroom too, I was convinced  that I needed to head to Whole Foods immediately and pick some up. And so I did! Trust me, it's totally worth the hype! I've already used it as eye make-up remover and deep hair conditioner, plus it smells out of this world good! 

1. Make-up Remover / Eye cream 
2. Massage Oil 
3. Pre-shave and After-shave 
4. Deep Hair Conditioner 
5. Burn relief and scar reduction 
6. Toothpaste 
7. Oil Pulling
8. Cooking 

A little skeptical to try it straight from the jar, try Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Coconut, my new found favorite body lotion made with coconut oil, aloe, and lanolin! It's light, moisturizing, and the smell is addictive. Find it at Whole Foods Market! 

                                       

Foodie Tuesday: Birthday Lunch at Bouchon

French at Heart 

Some celebrate their birthdays with a grand party...Me, I'm all about a delicious lunch. My mom surprised me with a birthday invitation to a fun day full of french flair. The location, Thomas Keller's Bouchon in Yountville, CA. French bistro food and macarons, what more could a birthday girl ask for?   Simply stated, it was a beautiful, decadent, and perfect afternoon! 

What we ate:  

                       Drink of choice: Cran, Club Soda, Lime                                 Epi Baguette 

Escargot                                                    Squash Blossoms 

Smoked Octopus Salad 

Garden Gnocchi 

Chocolate Eclair                                                                     

Muse Monday: Poppy Delevigne!

Classic Cool 

How would you describe your style?...Classic, Bohemian, Edgy, Vintage, Romantic? This is a conundrum I often contemplate.  Because, honestly, I identify with all of the above. Some days, I want a chic timeless look, others downtown cool... While reading an excerpt about the style of Poppy Delevigne,  her style was described in a way that struck me...Classic Cool. Having heard of her name, a well-known socialite, I did some research on her enviable fashion taste and signature looks. This girl has a genius ability to pair eclectic and fun pieces with the classics, creating an effortless, cool, and unique look...a style I aspire to encompass. Pairing a LBD with converse or a flowing skirt with leather, the contrast of aesthetics work flawlessly! 

Fashion Friday: My TopShelf 1

PART I: My Make-up Routine


Into The Gloss is an incredible Beauty Blog that I follow regularly. The blog's creator Emily Weiss features posts on fashion industry insiders' beauty routines, documenting their life's journey in relation to beauty and the products they swear by. One of my favorite series of posts is My Topshelf, which goes inside the bathrooms of the featured editor, artist, model, etc. showing their vanities and powder rooms filled with their daily beauty necessities. I've decided to share my own topshelf, starting with my make-up routine...

The Face:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer-Nude 

NARS Bronzer-Laguna

Benefit Blush-Dandellion

It was only until recently that I became a fan of tinted moisturizer. I had previously tried a few brands but was less than impressed, I felt that the coverage was too sheer and left my face with an ultra oily and shiny rather than dewy appearance. However, after reading spectacular reviews surrounding Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer, I decided to give it a try...The recommendations were spot on! This tinted moisturizer encompasses the perfect balance between achieving an even skin-tone, a fresh dewy appearance, and a non-clogging SPF moisturizer. I also love NARS bronzer in laguna which brightens my fair skin with a sun-kissed glow, layered with Benefit's pale pink Dandelion blush. This trio creates the perfect daily canvas!

       

Eyes: 

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil-Light

Sephora Eyeshadow-aspen summit

Mac Eyeshadow-Grand Entrance, Trax

Sephora Eyeliner: Liquid-Black, Taupe; Crayon-Matte Brown

Shu Uerma Eyelash Curler 

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara-Blackest Black


On any given day, I most likely go with a light, soft, and natural eye. I usually start by shaping my brows with Benefit brow pencil, then highlight my brow-bone and my cheek-bones with the white shadow. Depending upon my mood, I either go with a classic or girly  look. When feeling in the classic mood, I simply line my upper lid with black liquid liner on a bare eyelid, and apply two coats of black mascara. If I want a girly look, I use my favorite MAC eyeshadow, Grand Entrance, on the base of the lid then line my upper lid with brown crayon and apply two coats of black mascara. When lining my eyes, I always wing-out my liner to accentuate the shape of my eyes, creating a wider bright-eyed appearance. I rarely ever line my lower lids, but if I do, I use a dark plum shadow to create a soft smoky look. Also, I always curl my lashes before applying mascara, trust me it truly makes a big difference in opening the eye! 

Lips: 

NARS Lipstick Rouge-Roman Holiday

YSL Rouge Volupté- 17 

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss-181

Maybelline Lipstick-Coral Crush 

Covergirl Nature Luxe-Ganache 

Korres Lip Butter- Wild Rose, Pomegranate

Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm 

Blistex Medicated Lip Balm


Finally, the lips! I am a girl who swears by Chapstick... I am addicted to the minty tingly feeling and super soft lips. But when I need a little color, I love NARS Roman Holiday for a pale pink lip or a similar shade gloss by Dior. When I'm feeling bold, I love to vamp-up my look with a bright colored lip...hot pink and bright red are my go to colors! 

Look out for My Topshelf Part II where I will share my favorite hair-care, lotion, and perfume! 

A Wise Thought: Sabrina

No, father. The moon is reaching for me!

-Sabrina Fairchild 

At Home Wednesday: Natural Beauty

Free yourself. Skip the chemicals. Skip the over-priced products. Be kind to your skin and take the natural route this summer. Using commonly found natural ingredients you can transform and revamp your beauty routine. Let your kitchen become a spa, and your skin healhier than ever!


I found these recipes on BLDG 25 and have been trying them ever since! Not only do they feel amazing on your skin but they actually work! I love the idea of holistic natural health and beauty and hope to incorporate them more and more into my regular life. Currently I swear by lavender essential oil, I make room spray, perfume, and bath soaks with it...the scent is so intoxicatingly relaxing. I also love to put fresh mint and lemon in my water, both of which are natural detoxifiers...Try it at home and more fresh, relaxed, and beautiful today! 


Hydrating Face Mask:
1/2 ripe avocado
1/2 rip banana
Refriderate for 30 minutes. Leave on face for 20 minutes.


Deep Hair Conidtioner:
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup olive oil
2 eggs
Leave on hair for 20 minutes. Shampoo and Condition after. 


Aromatherapy Soak:
2-3 drops lavender essentail oil
2-3 springs of peppermint leaves
1/2 sliced lemon
Soak and relax at your own pace...time is nonexistent! 


What I want to try:
Rosewater
Acts a toner and creates a healthy glow appearance

Foodie Tuesday: The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

Inspired by one of my favorite Food Network television shows, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, I decided to compile my list of what I consider to be the best of best, what I always crave! The pure thought of each of these foods makes my mouth water! If your ever in NYC, LA, San Francisco, or Phoenix I highly recommend that you try one of these truly "foodie" life-changing restuarants, you'll see...

Delicatessen NYC: Whole Wheat Pancakes, House-made Berry Preserve, citrus cream 
The Best Part: The spongy texture of the batter is unparalleled by any other, it's light, thin, with crispy edges. And not to mention the citrus cream made of mascarpone cheese elevates this stack of flap-jacks to a new dimension! 

La Boulange, San Francisco: Almond Croissant
The Best Part: My motto has always been that there can never be too much almond paste in an almond croissant. This croissant does that saying justice. A thick layer of almond paste wrapped in puff pastry, topped with slivered almonds, what could be better? Don't forget to ask for it toasted, a toasted croissant is an even more magical experience! 

Tao NYC: Pad Thai Noodles
The Best Part: The sauce! I would consider thai to be one of my favorite ethnic foods, pad thai being one of my go-to must haves. However, upon ordering pad thai time and time again hoping to find a west-coast version that mirror the noodles of Tao NYC... Much to my disappointment,  the noodles are usually dry, stuck together, and covered with the unnecessary bulk veggies. The noodles of Tao are truly one of a kind: moist and saucy, flavorful, and just AMAZING!

Hillestone Santa Monica: Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, with pommery mustard sauce, coleslaw, and vine-ripened tomatoes 
The Best Part: The CRAB! I would say that I am somewhat of a connoisseur of crab cakes, I've tried them all: the good, the bad, and the plain wrong. The crab cakes from Hillestone in Santa Monica are consistently a winner every time. Made with Baltimore lump crab, the crab of these cakes is the true star. Loosely formed with veggies and a little bread crumbs, these cakes put those other pureed, mushy, where is the crab crab cakes to shame. All topped with a tangy grainy mustard sauce that I would eat on its own. 

Hillstone Phoenix: Signature Veggie Burger with sweet soy glaze and melted jack cheese 
The Best Part: Today, a good veggie burger is not too hard to find, as America's many restaurants have expanded their repertoire to accommodate the health oriented few. However, a veggie burger that outshines their competitor, the good-ole beef patty, could be assumedly impossible to find. Unless you go to Hillestone in Phoenix and try their secret  out of this world delicious recipe. Made with rice, beans, veggies, a succulent glaze, and doctored up like a classic burger with cheese, lettuce, pickles, the works--this burger will have you saying, meat who? 

Rosa Mexicano NYC: Guacamole en Molcajete 
The Best Part: Did you add mayonnaise? No. Really! is what my grandma said upon dipping her chip in this creamy, perfectly seasoned, freshly made at our table bowl of guacamole. Rosa Mexicano has got the perfect guac recipe down pat. Made in a traditional molcajete, the texture that is made using only avocado, onion, jalepeno, and tomatoes is so smooth, vibrant, and lick the bottom of your bowl good!