Be Your Own Barista and Bartender

The best cocktails and cafe' beverages are sure to cost a pretty penny. Whether $4.95 for that dolled up latte $2.99 for that iced tea which is mostly ice, or $14.99 for that cocktail that was way over priced, getting the best bang for your buck can be easy and inexpensive, saving you time and money. No more waiting in long lines or paying outrageous sums of money for drinks you can make yourself! From that cafinated morning pick me up, to that extra special evening cocktail the steps to making your favorite drink are easier than you think. We've consulted the experts in simplifying three easy recipes into three easy steps!

Iced Vanilla Latte
step one: add 2-3 teaspoons of light brown sugar and 3 drops of vanilla extract to a tall glass
step two: add ice and 1/2 cup strong coffee or 2 shots espresso
step three: fill glass the rest of the way with chilled milk, stirr vigourously and serve







Afternoon Iced Tea
step one: add three bags of your favorite tea to 1 cup of steaming hot water making it extra strong
step two: fill a tall glass with ice and 1/2 cup of cold water
step three: add the hot brewed tea and more ice, serve chilled



Classic Club Cocktail
step one: fill martini shaker with ice
step two: add 1/2 cup of cranberry grape juice made strong from frozen concentrate
step three: add 2 shots of rasberry flavored vodka, shake, strain into a pilsner or martini glass and serve

Bejeweled Beauties of the 63rd Annual Emmys

The 63rd Annual Emmy Award nominees, announcers, and presenters donned the red carpet in jewel toned gowns ranging from emerald greens worn by Olivia Munn in Carolina Herrera, to sapphire blues like the Roksanda Ilincic gown Dianna Agron rocked.

Christina Hendricks in Johanna Johnson and Rachael Taylor in Giorgio Armani were quite eye catching in shades of diamond white; sparkling like champagne spilling off their gorgeous silhouettes.

Of course the ever popular ruby reds stole the spotlight as the best dressed starlets seemed to be at their very best dressed in scarlet. Lea Michele looking lovely in Marchesa, Sofia Vergara sexy as ever in Vera Wang, and Nina Dobrev dazzling the paparazzi in Donna Karan.

Frizz Free in High Humidity

Humidity can make hair do wild and crazy things, from frizzing out to making waves, to being an all around unmanageable mess. Fighting this force of nature with flat irons and hairspray can and will only make matters worse. Instead of going into combat mode with your hair, try going with the flow using these simple tricks to tame hair into the perfectly tousled styles worn on the runways and red carpets. First apply a weightless polishing serum to damp hair making sure to evenly distribute it through the ends. Next separate hair into two to three inch sections, mist each section with a curl enhancing spray and use a diffuser on your blow dryer (set to low or no heat) to lightly blow dry hair. Finally finish hair with a moisture rich finishing spray to add texture, shine and bounce. 

Look Good Travel Light

Looking good and traveling light go hand in hand with styles that are classic, versatile, and easy to pack. Gone are the days of checking bulky luggage (unless of course your going on an extended stay) because traveling with less means saving more. The money spent in baggage claim fees can sting in this economy, not to mention it could be better spent elsewhere. So save money and time, by choosing the right wardrobe pieces allowing travel to be more leisurely by simply packing smart. 

Begin with a purse or  carry-on choosing styles and sizes which allow for optimum usage. It can be a purse large enough to hold clothing, beauty products, a cell phone, and wallet. Or it can be of the smaller variety and fit snugly into a larger carry-on. Either way the purse or carry-on bag should contain enough room for the necessities and then some.
Highly Recomended: Louis Vitton

A well fitting pencil skirt can be dressed up or dressed down, used for business attire or a night out. A pretty blouse and a cardigan add a sophisticated touch and can easily be accessorized in a variety of ways to suit the mood. For instance adding a thin belt at the waist over the cardigan gives a lovely polished look. While pairing a larger belt and bracelet with the blouse tend to dress things up a bit. Beige heels go with practically everything and should definitely be thrown into the mix. Along with a pair of strappy black stilettos and some casual comfortable ballet flats. The flats go great for a casual day look when worn with a favorite pair of jeans, causal top and cardigan.     Highly Recomended: Victoria's Secret

An elegant cocktail dress with the strappy black stilettos, along with an enticing necklace create the perfect look for an evening out. Wide legged pants can be paired with an elegant blouse or nautical top depending on whether the day calls for meeting with clients or shopping and lunch. A lovely mid-length beige trench coat goes nicely with just about any outfit and can be a saving grace if caught in light rain or an evening breeze. So the next time traveling comes up on the agenda think carefully about how the right wardrobe essentials can be mixed, matched and smartly packed because traveling light is the way to go.
Highly Recomended: Burberry

Easy & Inexpensive Ways to Entertain this Summer

Whether staying local or venturing out, nothing says summertime like a gathering of friends for good drinks, great food, and excellent fun. It doesn't have to be expensive to be entertaining, in fact with a little ingenuity and some clever hosting a simple backyard barbeque can become a chic and inexpensive way to entertain outdoors. Classic games like croquet, lawn bowling, badminton, even horse shoes and darts are popular amongst most party goers.

The menu can be as simple as California Style Sliders which are basically miniature gourmet burgers. A delicious and diverse array of sliders can be made quite easily and inexpensively. Ground beef is the usual option, but turkey burgers, and veggie burgers make for an excellent assortment and offer more options for those whose dietary choices may vary. Grilled apple slices with melted brie is also an excellent alternative to the savory tastes of beef, turkey, or veggie burgers. Serve them up on fresh rolls and arrange them on lovely little trays. 

Mix up a delicious Sangria using fresh fruit and alternatively a wonderful Lemonade, as well as Iced Tea or even Iced Water; all of which can be placed into individual glass beverage dispensers and labeled accordingly. Arnold Palmer's are easy to make by mixing half lemonade with half iced tea to mingle together a delicious and refreshing duo of a drink. Set out a few different types of drinking glasses from tumblers to champagne flutes and let guests enjoy choosing a beverage that best suits their personal style.

For dessert nothing says American like Apple Pie, or any other types of pie for that matter. Summer Berry, Lemon Meringue, even Peach can be the perfect treat to slice up and top off with some home made vanilla whipped creme or big yummy scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

As the sun sets, set the mood with candles, a few strategically placed lanterns, and some music for ambiance. Keep sitting arrangements casual yet inviting and create little niches here and there for company to mingle and visit. Essentially create an inexpensive outdoor experience that will make this summer's memories last for years to come.

Simply Beautiful Summer Makeup by M.A.C.

The key to this summers style is simplicity. When it comes to makeup, subtle choices should emphasize elegance in a way which is not excessive or overly done. Moisturize skin with an SPF 15 or higher to protect skin from the dangerous UV  rays you may encounter this summer. Applying Studio Fix Fluid foundation by M.A.C. offers flawless coverage with a light SPF 15 already built in. Allow for natural beauty to be accentuated by using more neutral earthy shades of eyeshadow. We recommend adding a bit of M.A.C. eyeshadow in Embark blended to the outer edges with M.A.C. eyeshadow in Naked Lunch. Opulash mascara by M.A.C. is perfect for emphasizing full dramatic lashes. Curl lashes with a lash curler, both before and after applying mascara. A favorite lip gloss, such as M.A.C. Prep + Prime Lip conditioning primer, paired with M.A.C. Cremestick Liner in Pink Treat gives lips just a hint of color without drawing attention away from the eyes. Lips should be light and lovely by using tones that are not too bright, while having just enough pigment to make that perfect pout stand out.

Summer Styles in the South of France

The 2011 Cannes Film Festival brought a select bevy of starlets to the South of France and the white hot styles hitting the red carpet this year were anything but boring. Bound to be all the rage this summer, lighter shades in organic fabrics are not only keeping the ladies cool, but the gents as well. We saw everything from floor length formals to fun and flirty to sophisticated and elegant a la' Rachel McAdams in a lovely white dress from Maxime Simoens Couture and subtly stylish peep toe pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo. Her Midnight in Paris co-star, Owen Wilson, charmed the crowds in a casual white suit by Calvin Klein. Similar styles can be achieved quite easily, and purchased for considerably less at one of my favorite places to shop H&M. So this summer, whether partying it up on a white hot summer night or a spending a day on the town under the beautiful summer sun, keep it classic, clean and cool in the light bright shade of white.

How to Get Jennifer Aniston's Dark New 'Do

From the sweet lovable Rachael on Friends to the incredible shock Doc Julia the man eating dentist in Horrible Bosses, the almost unrecognizable Jennifer Aniston rocks dark locks and sultry long bangs in her role opposite Charlie Day who plays her assistant Dale. This must see comedy has a dark side but  we were mostly drawn to Jennifer Aniston's new hairdo. This style sweetie is a constant trendsetter in the wonderful world of hair and to get her new look we've incorporated three easy steps.

step one: Purchase Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color over the counter in two shades darker than your current color or one shade lighter if your hair is very dark. Clairol Natural Instincts is a very safe choice when coloring hair at home. It offers soft natural shades, that deposit color molecules safely and temporarily to hair without destroying the natural integrity of the hair strand itself. It fades nicely so as not to reveal drastic roots and is easy to use. We recommend the shade Chocolate Creme but be sure to check the shade palette on the side of the box according to your current color. Always read and follow directions completely, and make sure to do a strand test before going all the way. If possible consult a professional stylist to have your hair colored into the sumptuous dark look that Aniston is sporting.

step two: Find your crown and brush front layers forward to create long bangs, trim a little at a time and do not go any shorter than your eye brows. Her style gently sweeps the top of her lashes drawing attention to her eyes. Never trim past the temples, use the outer edge of your eyebrows as a guide to go by. Always cut bangs dry and once again, if at all possible, consult a trusted professional hairstylist.

step three: leave hair long and blow dry smooth, then add volume to pack a devastating punch! Even though she plays a bad girl, her style looked incredibly sweet when pulled back into a ponytail at work, and even better when she let it down to eat an odd assortment of food. So next time your thinking of switching things up a bit, a dramatic hairstyle can certainly do the trick.

Billboard Beauties

The 2011 Billboard Music Awards featured some of the music industry's top named talent, and some of the top named talent featured some super lux looks sporting everything from casual to to glamorous on the red carpet. This event often offers a little more fashion freedom than other strictly formal occasions, so viewers got a chance to see some of music's singing starlets hit the red carpet in everything from casual cool slacks, to stunning sophisticated gowns. Out of all the different looks three distinct styles caught our attention.

Rihanna sported a more contemporary and casual look with white Max Azria Suit, a classic white blouse, subtle Solange Azagury-Partridge gold tassel necklace and beige Christian Louboutin heels. Her bright red locks effortless styled and her pink lips pristine.

Taylor Swift went classic Hollywood glam in a gorgeous champagne Elie Saab gown, and earrings and bracelet by Lorraine Schwartz. Her long wavy golden locks side parted over one shoulder, framed her  ruby lips perfectly. 

Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum looked lovely in a black Mandalay ruched silk chiffon dress and Giuseppe Zanotti  platform peep toe slingbacks. She accessorized with a Le Vian gold diamond ring and Isharya bracelet. Her look was nicely played bringing about sophistication and style. The shades of makeup used were subtle accentuating her natural beauty and vivacious glow.

Gardens Gone Wild

Extend your living quarters to the outdoors by creating a lovely little oasis using hardy plants and pretty pots. Whether a small patio or barely there balcony these simple tips should help the girl with the not so green thumb have the durable long lasting garden of her dreams. Patio perfection is easy to create and can be the ideal space for entertaining this summer. From brunch with the girls to cocktails with dinner guests at six, your patio or balcony can become the perfect place to entertain guests.  Depending on the amount of sunlight your outdoor area gets, most potted plants such as annuals, shrubs and trees bring in just the right amount of color and greenery to liven up any drab outdoor area. Study the amount of sun to shade ratio your patio or balcony receives throughout the day then plant accordingly. If your patio is relatively sunny use plants and foliage which can withstand the heat. If your patio is relatively cool, or only gets partial sunlight use plants and flowers which will thrive in the shade. Trees and shrubs with shiny leaves need less water and require less maintenance which is definitely something to keep in mind. A sitting area such as a bench, chair or even patio dinette set makes it comfortable to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Lighting is necessary if you choose to entertain guests in the evening hours. Small white lights or a dim sconce make for a romantic and inviting place for guests to retreat to. Make it clean, classic and fabulous using colors that you love and plants that make you happy. That way, the soirees you host this summer, will be the best indoors and out!

DIY Makeover: Six Steps to Shock and Awe

Every girl deserves to feel like a princess, but sometimes the privilege of a personal entourage of  isn't available to the everyday girl. So when the opportunity of a do it yourself makeover presented itself I decided to take part. Instead of expensive stylists and designer wardrobe pieces the DIY makeover consists entirely of resourcing what you have and what is readily available to you. To make myself over in a matter of moments and with minimal expense, I followed these simple steps:





1. Begin by generously applying a healing treatment to the face and neck. If you suffer from dry skin moisturize using creams you already have. If you tend to suffer from blemishes treat them effectively with spot treatment products.

2. While the beauty treatments are healing apply a semi-permanent hair color such as Clairol Natural Instincts. Remain within two shades of your current hair color and apply the product according to directions. 

3. Paint your nails while your color is processing, being careful  not exceed the recommended processing time.

4. Rinse and condition hair then apply a shine serum before blow drying and styling. Choose a look that flatters the shape of your face, and style in way which you normally wouldn't. For example if you tend to wear your hair up often, then by all means let it down, or if your tresses usually fall where they may then style them into a sophisticated updo.

5. Makeup should be used to emphasize your natural beauty. You want to look enhanced and brilliant without looking completely foreign to your friends. Use the shades you are used to using, but apply them differently. The internet is a magnificent source for professional techniques in cosmetic application. Check out the how to videos on YouTube and fashion magazine websites.

6. When it comes to wardrobe the under garments are just as important as the outer ones. In this respect Victoria's Secret has a wonderful array of well fitting bras to hoist up what other bras tend to smash down. A properly fitting bra can make all the difference in the lift, posture, and stride of us women. As can a well defined pair of stilettos, preferably in beige which will be an asset to any girls closet. Accessorize a figure flattering dress with a classic clutch, and some detailed jewelry pieces. Finally add a spritz of designer fragrance. Choose something different than your usual signature scent.

You may just find that the reactions you receive are absolutely incredible!

Lipstick for a Quick Beauty Fix

When asked what I can't live without as far as makeup goes, I absolutely love Lustreglass in Venetian by M.A.C.  The high shine lip finish from the M.A.C. Cosmetics line of  Lipglass lipsticks is my go to gloss for spring, summer and even late into fall. I'm absolutely obsessed with the versatility of the shade Venetian. One shade, three seasons, a fabulous look no matter where you go. Lustreglass is my save all for lunch with the girls, a day at the beach, or even a quick jaunt to the market. Whether going incognito on the weekend or at the forefront of the boardroom on the workday, beautiful dramatic lips can add the perfect amount of elegance to any style. Dressy or casual it goes beyond any gloss I've ever used, perfect for a quick beauty fix.

Keys to Succeed in a Fierce Job Market

The keys to succeed in today's highly competitive job market are as simple as maintaining social contacts and making a pleasant long lasting impression on others. Sometimes the best way to do so, is by applying for an internship or other entry level position at the company you would most like to work for.  Keep resumes no longer than one page and make certain the cover letter is concise. Also apply at corporations that are similar or hold other interests for you. The more your resume is circulating the better. Job seeking is a numbers game. Do not be discouraged if at first you do not succeed. Whether the company accepts or rejects your application is not as important as the impression you make on those who have connections in your desired field. These days with the job market as fierce as it is, making a good impression on those who are hiring can ultimately lead to other more successful interactions. Impressed people will refer you, so no matter what keep a positive and personable attitude. Your name might just come up in a conversation that could potentially earn you a lovely income doing what you love.

It's Good to Go Green

Going green can mean lessening your impact on this lovely little planet we call Earth. Sustaining our environment for future generations to come can be done quite easily with these helpful hints:

 1. Buying in bulk can save you money and time. More product for your money means less packaging waste and less fuel spent in driving back to the store for more.

2. Keep technology out of the trash. Most electronic devices need to be recycled properly since they do not decompose in the landfills. 

3. Walking and riding your bicycle instead of driving short distances will save you money in gas and save the Earth from the carbon emissions cars produce.

4. Avoid buying bottled water. The plastic bottles create pollution to manufacture and fill, not to mention it is expensive and generates a large amount of container waste. Use a fashionable refillable water bottle instead, and if you do drink from a plastic container make certian it goes into the recycling bin when finished.

5.  Stop cleaning your house with poison.  Most chemical cleaners are harmful to humans, pets, the environment and can be messy, expensive and toxic. Save money by using such natural products as baking soda, lemon juice or vinegar. Even a little warm water and dish soap can do the trick.

Everyday Updo's

An everyday up-do doesn't have to be extravagant or take a long time to achieve, on the contrary updo's can be an elegant way to style ones hair. Whether soft and romantic or clean and sophisticated an updo can be easily achieved here's and how:

For a quick clean style that adds instant polish to any sophisticated look go with the tried and true ponytail. Begin by combing hair smooth and pull all hair up so that the hairband rests on the top of the head residing anywhere behind the crown to ensure elegant sophistication and style. The ponytail can be placed higher for a chic classic look, or lower for a more refined style. The ends can either be curled with a large curling iron, or straightened carefully with a flat iron. 

To achieve another relatively easy style brush dry hair out completely and add a small dab of shine serum to your palm, rub hands together and glide fingers through the ends of hair. Part hair naturally, to the side or through the middle, separate two small sections of hair on either side and braid each section moving back towards the crown of the head. Pull hair back into a loose, low comfortable ponytail and curl sections with a large curling iron. Next loosely pin each curled section over and around the base of the ponytail forming a lovely chignon at the back of the neck.

Healthy Food Beautiful Body

When professional chefs create a culinary masterpiece it delights not only the senses of smell and taste, but of sight as well. The everyday foodie can become accustomed to the delicate subtle ways in which food can make you feel one way... or another. It has been said that a well balanced and nutritious meal should have a colorful selection of food sources on the plate because most often, naturally colorful food is high in nutrients. Vitamins and minerals are vital to having a healthy and nutritious diet. These nutrients can be obtained by consuming foods rich in antioxidants, carotnoids, probiotics, and folates; such as fruits, grains, vegetables, olive oil, dairy, legumes, and lean meats such as fish and poultry. To ensure a higher nutrient quality and greater variety at a lower cost, avoid over paying for fruits and vegetables by purchasing them while in season whenever possible. Shop for functional foods which are beneficial to health, longevity, disease prevention and over all physical well being. Foods that contain a high nutrient content . Most major grocery chains offer these food types in the outer aisles, it is commonly the inner aisles which contain packaged and processed foods that are high in fat and sugar content as well as chemicals and preservatives. Such things can and will reek havoc on a beautiful mind and body so remember to eat pure healthful foods because as they say we are what we eat. 

Shopping for Quality

When shopping for quality, it's all about the details, avoid being fooled into  spending to much on expensive designer labels and big name brands which can sometimes mask cheaply made, poorly constructed products. Instead be a smart shopper and take a closer more careful look when purchasing that special wardrobe piece. Here are some easy ways to know if the garment you are buying is well made, well worth the money, and will last for years to come. The first thing I look for when purchasing an article of clothing is the fabric. Quality fabric doesn’t fade as easily,  and doesn’t feel stiff or crinkly. Is there beauty and movement to it? Does the material feel organic and comfortable? If so then proceed to the second phase of quality assurance: the pattern. Any repeating pattern should always line up perfectly at the seams. Seams should never pull or pucker and the ideal seam for most garments is the French seam, which is turned under and delicately finished to hide any raw edges. The fabric of the garment should be suited to any detailing such as buttons or beads. In this case, fabrics should support these embellishments and should never be pulled or stretched. If beads or buttons are falling off, be wary of the purchase or negotiate a discount. Finally test zippers, buttons, and any other fastener several times to assure they do not come undone while moving about, which can frequently  occur with jean zippers and blouse buttons. If zippers do not slide easily then it may be a sign of being cheaply made. If buttons pull or pop, check a different size for a better fit. Most quality garments come with an extra button in case one goes missing. Lining should never hang lower than hems and hems should never be fraying. Try many different sizes and styles to find the proper fit and give your body the most flattering silhouette possible. When clothes look good, we feel good wearing them, and when we shop for quality we get clothes that are well made causing buyer's remorse to simply fade away.

Springtime Garden Party

Spring is in the air and what better way to start the season than with a gathering of friends and family. Whether hosting an extravagant soiree or a casual get together, the garden makes for a delightful place to have party. Outdoor parties can be hosted in a number of different types of gardens, from a small yet elegant garden patio to an expansive lush backyard setting. What really makes a garden party great is fabulous food and fun people. Go green and begin with invitations designed online and sent via email or an event page on facebook. Location is everything. If your fortunate to have a pretty yard or patio garden, you can easily and inexpensively plan your party space with some floral fabrics, fresh cut flowers, and a decorative tea or dinette set. Choose bright brilliant colors, that really pop against the greenery. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns, plates, and vases. As long as you stay within the color scheme this can create an eye pleasing area for your guests to gab.The menu should feature some dainty pastries, fresh fruit and little sweets.  Toss aside the calorie counting for now, because this is an excuse for an indulgence in deliciousness! Iced coffee, tea  and lemonade make for excellent beverages. Serve them chilled in pretty crystal goblets, perfect for an outdoor garden party!

The Bad Girls Guide to Great Hair

When it comes to my hair I have to admit I have been a bad girl. The at home processing along with a couple of bad haircuts and an over use of heating tools has reeked havoc on my once healthy hair. To get those gorgeous locks back I employed three simple steps which had my hair back to beautiful in no time at all:

1. Nutrition - a healthy diet consisting of balanced nutrition along with an increased intake of proteins and omega 3 fatty acids. A multivitamin and Vitamin E supplements will begin to do wonders for not only your hair, but your complexion as well.

2. Treat Your Hair- replenish damaged hair by using special hair repair treatments that  contain silk proteins and emollients such as John Frieda Frizz Ease which actually repairs the molecular structure of the strand itself. Many treatments are available on the market and range in price and quality. The best products do NOT contain alcohol in the ingredients (the same goes for skincare).

3. Cool Down - after you condition your hair be sure to give a final rinse with a blast of cool water. This actually smooths the strand and diminishes frizz once the hair is dry.  When using heating tools such as blow dryers and flat irons minimize the heat if possible and use a cool setting to blow dry wet hair. Avoid using high heat directly on hair when at all possible. Flat Ironing the hair is often done daily. This heated styling tool can cause more bad than good especially if used on wet hair. Always be sure to flat iron completely dry hair. Even with flat irons that promise to dry hair quickly while pressing strands flat. These can be extremely harmful to your hair and will actually sizzle your locks.

Regimenting proper hair care into your daily routine will result in a vast improvement in the look, feel, and shine of your hair. Nourish your hair and body from the inside out, by eating right, sleeping well, and treating your hair to alcohol free products and low to no heat tools.

Home Bar Basics

Whether your going out for a night on town or staying in for night with friends, knowing how to prepare a good cocktail is key in sipping a drink that tastes as it should. I recently hosted a cocktail party for some close friends, and while preparing for the soiree I ultimately created my own at home mini bar which made entertaining a little bit easier and a lot more fun. I started with a perfect little place in mind, a corner of my condo with floor to ceiling windows. The main idea is creating a bar that suites your personal comfort, style, and tastes. Smaller places such as studio apartments and lofts can also provide the ultimate space to entertain in. For the perfect cocktail party, a cabinet can easily be transformed into a minibar and stocked with a few simple basics.

Liquor & Liqueurs 

Gin

Vodka

Rum (light and dark)

Whiskey (bourbon, scotch, and Irish cream)

Cognac or Brandy

Tequila

Wine (red, white and champagne)

Beer (domestic, import, and micro)

Amaretto (almond)

Chamord (raspberry)

Cointreau (orange)

Godiva (chocolate)

Schnapps (various flavors)    

               

Depending on your budget you can purchase more or less, but these staples provide a nice basis for an adequate mini bar.  Add bottles of wine or fancier liqueurs you may have accumulated as gifts and be on the look out for supreme sales at the market. Ultimately you can build up, re-stock, and replenish your at home mini bar as time goes.

 

Mixers & Garnishes:

cola                                                                                          

sprite

club soda                                                                                       

grenadine                                                                                  

lemonade                                                                      

cranberry juice                                                                 

orange juice                                                                             

simple syrup                                                                        

lemon                                                                            

lime                                                                             

sugar                                                                                   

maraschino cherries                                                            

martini olives                                                                          

                                                                                       

Spring Fling with Fashion Week 2011

To be the best dressed and have the loveliest locks as well as a gorgeous glowing complexion this spring, go with what is  classic, carefree, and cleverly pretty. Chanel’s Spring 2011 makeup collection entitled Les Perles de Chanel encapsulates a bright youthful radiance easily complimenting any look this season. Softly shimmering shades of black and bright white pearly shadows are accentuated with a glowing complexion rosy lips and peachy cheeks. Slightly smokey metallic polish on the nails adds just a hint of perfection to complete this fabulous  look.

The hairstyle to have this spring is bouncy in texture and natural in color. Marcos Diaz of Ion Studio styled the girls for the Billy Reid runway show and did a magnificent job of exemplifying gorgeous healthy hair. These neatly trimmed flowing locks are reminiscent of almost any decade or century for that matter, allowing for that alluring style we all love so much. To easily achieve this hairstyle, blow dry hair on a cool setting and use a serum to minimize frizz keeping things smooth and shiny, next gather hair in one inch sections and roll with curlers. Give the hair a blast of warm and then cool air with a blow dryer before lightly shaking out the out the curlers.

Badgley Mischka's fresh flowing fabrics and truly inspired designs have me wanting to slip into their Spring 2011 collection. Wearable and classy, fresh and sophisticated this is certain to be the perfect wardrobe for any spring fling jet setter; be it bound for Beverly Hills or the settling down in the South of France this collection speaks volumes for the heiress wanting to escape it all and go incognito.

Forbidden Love at Zeffirino's

On a journey to find the most fantastic setting for the ultimate in luxury and lifestyle, I found myself swept into a Venetian experience which had literally been transported through time, and in an essence even space.  The award winning dinning experience known as Zeffirino's. One might expect an arduous adventure across the pond to find such a place. But the loveliest thing about this immaculate dining experience was that one doesn't have to journey far to find it. On the contrary a short flight to Vegas and a straight shoot to the Venetian will get you closer to this special gem of a hide away quicker than ever. Perfectly suited for the lovebirds trying to escape it all or those searching for a relaxing place to unwind for a weekend. So leave the passports at home and head to one of the most romantic places in Vegas. The Venetian Resort. While there be sure to visit Zeffirino's, a fabulous award winning eatery established in 1939 and transported from Italy sixty years later. This lovely bi-level Venetian style restaurant overlooks The Grand Canal  from the second story balcony. Stirring the senses and sweeping guests away to the dreamiest of places. While there with a lover or perhaps looking to find love, something to be experienced when you walk up to the handcrafted imported Italian bar, is the exquisite cocktail called the Amore Veitato or more familiarly known as the Forbidden Love. A most memorable drink designed by Wendy Verdel.

The Amore Veitato 

 

  2 oz. Hendricks gin

 1 oz. blood orange juice 
 Dash simple syrup, 2 strawberries 
4 slices of cucumber

 

Muddle fruit with simple syrup, add gin and blood orange juice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with strawberry, cucumber spiral and orange peel hearts.

So memorable was my experience at Zeffirino's that I made an attempt replicate the drink at home for friends. Still, nothing beats the real deal which is well worth the trip next time you're in Vegas.

Looking Lovely at the Oscars: Anne Hathaway

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards was hosted this year by none other than the bright and beautiful Anne Hathaway wearing  a gorgeous scarlet red couture number by Valentino.

For this look her normally dark locks were softened to a lighter shade and styled softly, with a few loose tresses falling around her face making for an elegant style. Her makeup completed the look with a crimson red lipstick, a fresh glowing complexion and a  upper eyelid lined in black.

Looking Lovely at the Oscars: Mila Kunis

This was a first at the Oscars for actress Mila Kunis, who donned a lovely lavender number by Elie Saab. Her makeup was kept natural emphasizing the eyes with a smokey look in warm earth tones, a darkly defined eye, and pale pink lips. Her hair was effortlessly pulled back loosely and kept low, with a side part and soft wave which gave it a classic feel.

Looking Lovely at the Oscars: Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld, one of Hollywood's youngest up and coming starlets, stepped onto the red carpet wearing a darling pale pink dress by Marchesa. Her hair was neatly pulled into a perfectly pinned updo accessorized beautifully with a tiara like headband. Hailee's makeup was kept completely clean and natural playing on the soft pink of her rosy cheeks. Her eyes were lightly lined in neutral tones and her lips were cast in a perfectly pretty shade of cerise which brought out her sparkling smile.

Style Your Space

When styled right, any space can become a beautiful place to spend your time. From a single room or studio to a larger loft or multiple room unit, the key to making any house a home is how you create the space to suit you lifestyle. For instance, I wanted a restful place to relax in as well as a space to entertain in. With that single notion in mind I was able to revamp my home into a space that catered to my personal taste using classic styles and a furniture arrangement that flowed.  A deep clean is necessary to purge all unwanted and unused items. Scrub down the surface areas and vacuum or dust mop the floors. Choose a theme for the decor using items and color schemes that appeal to your personal tastes and style. Staging the room for optimal space can easily be achieved  by arranging the furniture in a manner which allows for guests to flow freely through the space. A nicely organized space  can make for a  much more pleasant atmosphere. An uncluttered space can even alleviate stress, save time, and make entertaining all the more easy.

Sensational Makeup by MAC

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2011 brought on a bevy of fabulous looks from haute couture to haute cosmetics my favorite look of all was one which could be worn right off the runway. Val Garland for MAC cosmetics did a gorgeous job giving the models from the Isaac Mizrahi show a clean sophisticated look using none other one of my cosmetic crushes MAC. A flawlessly classic look achieved by blending MAC Cream Color Bases in just the right places. Defining the brows with Impeccable Brow Pencils in an array of suitable shades and a cleanly lined eye using MAC Cream Liner in Black. A little Powder Blush across the crease of the eye-lid and a touch more of that lovely Cream Color Base in a sepia tone creating those perfectly pretty lips. Bringing the essence of natural wearable beauty to the runway. The versatility of the Cream Color Base along with the Cream Liner makes for an unstoppable duo in any girls cosmetics collection and both items have topped my must have list for this month.