2nd Annual Night of Spirits Event Benefits the LA Chapter, Muscular Dystrophy Association
For MORE information on this event, please check out
www.LA-STORY.com for all the details.
NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!! NEWS FLASH!!!
This blog has moved to a new location! You can now find it at www.la-story.com.
Diet Coke just got friendlier-- with Diet Coke Plus! This tweak on the original formula includes vitamins and minerals -- including vitamin B 6 & 12, Niacin and 10% zinc and magnesium! Definitely for those concerned with making sure they get a balanced healthy diet but still have some soda too!
It's definitely new and different--without a loss of taste or fizz!
Stevie Wilson
The Napoleon Perdis DeVine Goddess Lipstick collection pays tribute to the strength and beauty of ancient Greek goddesses.
Channeling his Greek heritage, Napoleon Perdis, make-up artist extraordinare (who recently opened a store on Hollywood Blvd. The party was so extraordinarily packed, that the Fire Marshall was ready to close the doors. EEEK. More about this later)
Available in five different finishes in thirty shades, each lipstick carries with it the essence of the all-powerful mythological allure that the goddesses possessed.
Channeling such goddesses as Aphrodite, Calliope and Calypso, each lipstick boasts a sumptuous blend of natural waxes, shine-infused polymers,
the emollient properties of evening primrose, jojoba and apricot nut oils and free radical scavenging anti-oxidants, ball to form one of the most high performance lipsticks ever created.
Pro-tip: For devastatingly desirable lips – lavish with Lip Lacquer-- the non-sticky slightly sheer but oh-so-sexy lipgloss that's to die for!
Available for $22 at Napoleon Perdis stores, Saks Fifth Avenue and select independent retailers
Stevie Wilson
¡BAJA! COOKING ON THE EDGE By Deborah M. Schneider
“the reigning queen of San Diego chefs.” – Bon Appétit
Photographs by Maren Caruso
Winner of the 2006 IACP Award for Best Photography for CHOCOLATE OBSESSION
If you have been to Rubios, Baja Fresh or actually been to Baja Mexico, there's nothing like an authentic BAJA style taco. It's a taste that is rarely duplicated here in the US and typically not well-- till now when you have Deb Schneider giving you the step by step hints, tips and ingredients to put together not only the most killer tacos but the most incredible recipes for an amazing BAJA style menu.
YUM is all I can say. It made me want to COOK-- and trust me that's no easy feat these day.
She covers categories like:
This book includes the secret sauce for those amazing fish tacos, terrific salsa recipes and tons more things that are EASILY prepared.
Available at Amazon.com
All I can say is YUMMY!! I love Baja style cooking!
Want a taste test? Here's a pretty easy to do recipe for a cheese-cake like flan that's to die for.
Cream Cheese Flan with Orange Sage Honey
Traditional flan is a heavy combination of sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and runny caramel. I much prefer this version, which despite the name is more like a light delicious cheesecake. The finished, chilled flans will pop right out of nonstick muffin pans or a soft silicone mold, or you can bake and serve in 6-ounce porcelain ramekins. Sara Polczynski developed the basic recipe, which I have adapted.
Makes 10 individual flans.
Orange Honey Syrup
1⁄2 cup mesquite honey or other dark honey (see note below)
1 fresh sage leaf
1 large orange
Flan
1 pound cream cheese
7 large eggs
2 cups sweetened condensed milk
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Fresh berries or peaches (optional)
Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and sage. Remove long strips of zest from the orange with a vegetable peeler and add to the honey (reserve the rest of the orange for another use). Place over medium-low heat until warm. Let steep, off the heat, for several hours or overnight. Remove and discard the zest and sage.
Make the flan: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Set 10 (6-ounce) straight-sided soufflé dishes in a roasting pan just large enough to hold them.
In a blender, combine the cream cheese, eggs, condensed milk, milk, and vanilla; process until very smooth. Divide the mixture evenly among the dishes.
Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the dishes.
Bake the flans for 40 to 50 minutes, or until they are no longer liquid, feel barely firm in the center, and jiggle only slightly when moved. Remove from the water bath, cool, and chill.
If you wish to turn out the flans, hold a dessert plate firmly over each mold and quickly turn upside down. Drizzle the tops with the honey and garnish with the fruit.
Note: The flan may be baked in one large dish, instead of individually. Increase the baking time to 1 1⁄2 hours. Agave syrup (available at health food stores) may be substituted for the honey. The syrup is agave sap boiled down to a honey-like consistency, with a unique, gently herby flavor.
Recipe from ¡BAJA! COOKING ON THE EDGE By Deborah M. Schneider, photographs by Maren Caruso (Rodale; June 2006).
Stevie Wilson
eBelle5 discovers 5 Designer Laptop Bags at an affordable price.
Stripper shoes or top dollar chaussures? Stylebites looks into the case of the catwalk trend!
Escape with Stylehive to only one of seven astronomic hotels worldwide, Nuestro Hotel's Elqui Domos, where you can stay in a private dome stargazing with the complimentary telescope.
With all the graduates out there right now, don't forget to give them a little something special. The Jewelry Weblog says that message jewelry, in fact, is a great way to show and tell how much you care.
Styleaholics discovers hot new sneaker line Jezign!
SheFinds asks Celebrity “It” Bags: Which Is Your Fave?
Second City Style 's (Must-Haves (and Must-Not-Haves) for Summer 2007) is a Must-Read!
LA STORY muses about taking her iPOD on the run-- with IMainGO!
Earrings from Gem make Girlawhirl feel like she's on vacation every time she wears them
Fashiontribes dives in & finds the Top 10 Glamour Girl swimsuits for splashy poolside lounging, Hollywood starlet style.
Coquette falls in love with the prints and patterns of Diane von Furstenberg's spring dresses.
YSL Tribute shoe is the perfect platform for Kristopher to preach on.
My Fashion Life asks that you take a stand against the disaster that is “Paris & Nicole on the cover of Harpers!”
Papierdoll celebrates the arrival of Boots UK to Target
Come on girlies! If you missed the fem Fashion Elements sale last week at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica (or didn't but want to shop till your credit card smokes), then get your gas tank filled up and head to the OC -- to the Irvine Hilton (just off the Freeway!) and fill your trunk with designer clothing and accessories at MUCH LESS THAN RETAIL PRICES!!
What brands are you going to see? Check out these babies:
Orange County
2B Free-- Love them!
American Laser Centers
B. Boheme
BCBG--works for me!
Blowout Men
Cheena Chandra Jewelry-- GORGE jewelry
Christine Price Inc.
Contrabrand
Convoy
Eleanor Group - Spa Services--heavenly
Flux Nouveau
Geren Ford-Yummy!
Joan Nguyen
Julieri
Kristin Kahle Design--fabulous belts
La Chica Chic-- the most adorable bags
Lesa Wallace Handbags
Marisa K
Mike & Chris-- killer brand I have 4 pieces from this line
Nap
Natalie Anne Designs
Nyali
People for Peace- love them!
Rock de Goth
Rock & Republic-- rockin' jeans
San Damian Collection
Shop Robertson
Shu Shu Belts
T-Bags
Theresa Kathryn--great bags!
Too Faced Cosmetics-- Gorgeous cosmetics
Wahine Jewelry
Yoga Army-- cool yoga and leisure wear
Yesodra's Designs
And More…
Event sponsors include
944 Magazine, MONSTER Energy, ZMario, Sambazon and more!
The VIP shopping starts at 11 AM. Best to get going early and do order tickets online-- it speeds you through the check in process and saves you dinero!
Shop, get a spa treatment, have fun!
What more can a girl ask for!
Stevie Wilson
Haute stuff is going to start happening on the planet tomorrow.. PlanetLulu.com that is. What's going on? The May DENIM-Mania sale!! HUGE selection of brands starting at $59.00.
More than just denim though- woman does not live by jeans alone!! There's a lot more than that!
Check out the podcast that I did on what's HOT in the Planet Lulu Lofts!
Check out the cute stuff from Je'Lee
Other brands include:
Blue Dot--cool little LA brand that has a seriously fashionable flare.
Tiffany Alana--we adore Tiffany Alana and her dresses and lots more of her line.
Spiritual Fitness-- perfect for lounging, lounging and oh yeah-- lounging when you want to relax after working out.
Juicy Couture--gorge velvet Edwardian blazers with lace cuff trim. They got more of these-- they had blown through a ton and now have a new shipment of this originally marked $350 blazer
Kay Celine--cool tops
Junk Food tees- adorable!!
Literature-- we heart Literature tops
Betsy Johnson-- not a lot left but a few things are left and they are sooooooooo cute.
Lapis-- cute dresses that are so perfectly summer. You will want at least 2 colors.
Cristi Conaway-- lots of CC stuff particularly luscious satin camis!
Klub Nico shoes
swimwear
Love Tease Dresses-- one of at least 3 styles .. TONS in red-- for that red hot mama you are!
Vera Wang poly charmeuse chemise-- unbelieveable prices!!
Vasna Gypsy dresses- perfect for that boho chic style-- beaching it, vacationing, or just making yourself stylishly you..whether you are wearing flip flops, sandals or boots!
There's a lot more. Make sure that you check out that sale every day as the stock is filled in and updated on the site every day.
Sale starts:
May 16 9 PM PDT/ 12 M EDT
Sale Ends:
May 18 (Friday) 12M PDT / Sat 5/19 3 AM
Don't forget the coupon!! LULUMAY07 is the code.
It's good the last 12 hours of the sale and is worth 10% off.
Check www.myspace.com/planetlulu.com for other updates and maybe another coupon? If there is one, they aren't stackable or combinable--just come back the next day and shop again!
see ya on the Planet-- Lulu!
Stevie Wilson
Tom Ford has created some phenomenal products for Summer 2007. Not only is there a great fragrance (blog post coming), but the Azuree Soleil color cosmetics collection makes the most of sunkissed colors and gives you a workable collection for day or night (or both!). You can choose from the Soleil collection (lighter in tone) or Bronzee collection (brown tones) in the color products. So the Soleil has more mauve-bronze lip colors and a soft pale lavender/purple shadow duo while the Bronzee has the champagne and golden bronze lip colors and a brown and soft caramel eye duo.
The Sunbronzer is a lighter workable bronzer powder that would do for giving you that golden tint rather than that orange-y look that's so often prevalent. This HUGE compact is heavy and includes a gorgeous mirror. $75.00.
The Face Sheen is a creamy golden shimmer highlighter that will work on eyes, cheeks, shoulders and lips in a compact. Cheek Glow is a stick highlighter and Face Glow is a liquid "glow" for your face. There are glosses, lacquers and lots more to this collection-- so heard over to Esteelauder.com or your local Estee Lauder counter to check out these gorgeous products. The packaging is so beautiful-- it reflects the azure tones of the Mediterranean sea.
Stevie Wilson
I love my iPod but wish I could easily hear the music in the car-- along with the cell phone, friends, (and an occasional police siren) without having to use earbuds or get a new radio/cd/iPod unit for my car. Problem solved courtesy of IMainGo!
This cool little product is about the size of your hand and it comes in five luscious colors (thank you for that! I addicted to all things pink or blue) that works for both guys and girls --which makes gift giving easier.
What's it really do? You take a fully charged iPod (duh), unzip the IMainGo and remove all the stuffings.
Insert fresh AAA batteries x 4.
Plug the IMainGo into the iPod
Place the iPOD face down (so you can see it the controls through the window).
Depending on your iPOD unit, insert any necesary adapter.
Flip the switch to "music".
Close and zip up the IMainGo.
You are ready to "rock and roll" because once zipped up you flip over the IMainGo and turn on your iPod and pick out the music you want to hear and hit play--
VOILA! Instant music! Perfect for the car, beach, hiking, vacation, and the iPOD is protected in case you drop it. Wristlet is included so you don't have to "carry" this, but can hang it off your wrist. (Do turn down the sound). It's only 9 oz so it's perfectly portable!
IMainGo can also be used as an external speaker system for any laptop, desktop computer, or sleek portable gaming device
This will be in stock at Apple stores in June! You can find more details or order NOW at IMainGo.com. It's only about $50.00 and you can give someone the perfect gift-- grad, dad, mom, bff, boss or yourself!
Get bronze this year-- without having to spend a minute in the sun-- courtesy of Estee Lauder. The array of products is flexible for any taste and application style. summer.
The array of pressed powder bronzers gives you from soft glow to matte or even shimmer bronze-- so you can get the precise look that you want! Shown above the Bronze Goddess Matte Bronzer, the large matte bronzer compact that is well worth any money as it's bound to last you all summer long!
If you want to softly go into bronze, then check out the Bronze Goddess Bronzer Duo compact-- same size as the matte in a golden bronze package.
You GLOW girl with the Bronzed Goddess Shimmer Pressed Powder Bronzer from Lauder!
For a soft sheen for all over your body in a loose powder presentation, check out Bronze Goddess Loose Shimmer Bronzing Powder. This is one cool sexy shimmery product that can be dusted lightly in to hair too!
Lauders LIMITED EDITION Luminous Liquid Bronzer from the Bronze Goddess Collection makes for fast work for an all over golden presentation.
All on counter NOW -- so go for the glow and get mom or anyone, one of these-- even yourself so you look like you just came back from the Caribbean or Greek Isles.
Available wherever Estee Laude products are sold and also online at esteelauder.com or gloss.com or any of the other online stores!
Stevie Wilson
It's crunch time boys and girls! Shop till you drop or find the perfect gift for your mom. Here are some quick ideas that you can find online and in stores NOW!
If it's jewelry that catches here eye, Check out Tadam for some amazing pieces at affordable price points.
Bellmore Earrings are a smash hit for summer wear and into fall and would be a memorable gift.
Mom would be star struck with this fab necklace called
appropriately "Star Struck" also from Tadam Jewelry.
What mother wouldn't love a gorge robe like this? Silk Charmeuse bi-colored embroidered long kimono robe features a detailed embroidered peacock on the back with Chinese characters embroidered on the front symbolizing long life, prosperity and good health. Three color combinations peach/ivory, lavender/pink, sage green/celadon from Shirley of Hollywood .
Moms love handbags-- well who doesn't? Check out this adorable piece from Kipling-- a duffle in a hot RED called Anatomy that is perfect for spring/summer!
Vilebrequin and Men’s Vogue magazine have joined forces to celebrate summer style by hosting an online charity auction of one-of-a-kind celebrity customized swim trunks from the luxe St. Tropez Company to benefit Project Angel Food.
A VIP invitation-only event on Wednesday, May 9th at Vilebrequin’s Beverly Hills boutique located at 2 Rodeo Drive show off all the auction items and were definitely a great hit with the crowd of celebs and noted guests featuring 10 Cane Cocktails (YUM).
All items will be on display at Vilebrequin for one week (ending May 16th) and during that time the Company will also designate a portion of sales to the charity.
Celebrities were provided with Vilebrequin’s classic Moorea style swim trunks in white and colors along with a colored fabric markers and were offered the opportunity to create an original design using the nylon fabric as a blank canvas to create their original masterpieces.
An elite roster of celebrities have rallied together to support Project Angel Food. Those who have customized swim trunks include:
• Sir Elton John & David Furnish
• Eric McCormack & his son Finnigan
• Andy Garcia & his son Andrés
• Gary Payton & his sons Julian & Gary II
• The cast of NBC’s “Friday Night Lights”
Each lot will also include a special gift from Men’s Vogue magazine honoring the celebrity as well as a $300 store gift certificate from Vilebrequin. Bidding begins on Thursday, May 10th and closes Thursday, May 24th at 6PM EST at www.charityfolks.com/PAF.
For over 30-years Vilebrequin, the world-renowned men’s and boy’s swimwear manufacturer from St. Tropez has been outfitting the most stylish men with their vibrant and colorful swim trunks. Please visit www.vilebrequin.com.
Project Angel Food is the only organization that delivers freshly-cooked, nutritiously-appropriate meals, free-of-charge to men, women and children debilitated by cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses throughout Los Angeles County. Clients range in age from 7 to 104. Thanks to a devoted corps of volunteers, they prepare and deliver more than 1,300 meals each day. Project Angel Food has never maintained a waiting list and has never turned anyone away who is eligible for their meals.
Charity Folks is the leading online marketplace for nonprofit fundraising, corporate cause marketing campaigns and celebrity-driven charity initiatives; a cross-market penetration that has made them the "go-to" in the field of ePhilanthropy. Among its special partners are hallmark nonprofits, including Entertainment Industry Foundation and The World Wildlife Fund; A-list celebrities, such as Alicia Keys and Morgan Freeman; and top-brand corporations, including Cadillac and Esquire Magazine.
Stevie Wilson
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and while we love the sun and the golden glow, it's important to be aware of the importance of using sunblock to fight against skin cancer. This is a SERIOUS issue because this potentially deadly disease is preventable-- EASILY preventable by using sunblock every day-- regardless if it's sunny or rainy or overcast.
Every 67 minutes someone in the U.S. dies of melanoma; an astounding statistic for a disease which is nearly 100 percent curable when caught and treated early.
Because the incidence of skin cancer is increasing every year at, one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer over their lifetime. Sun protection alone is not enough to keep us safe.
That’s why Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) have partnered for “Skin Cancer Takes Friends,” a nationwide program offering women the opportunity make an appointment with one of more than 300 participating dermatologists nationwide for a free screening for themselves and a friend or loved one – so they can go together. Locally, 36 dermatologists in California are participating. For a full list of participating dermatologists, log on to www.SkinCancerTakesFriends.org.
While you want the glow of tanned skin check out the OLAY TOUCH OF SUN product which gives you a nice glow, smells good, and also has an spf in it. Remember sunblocks don't last all day. Please reapply often!
Get your checkup and check back in with me!
XUXU -- a new beverage/spirit on the market is just launching and it's hot! Maybe cool is the better term to use but it's definitely special. This luscious drink is made with 10% vodka and about 45% pureed strawberries making it a perfect addition to ANY cocktail that you might think of.
With Mother's day and bridal events on the calendar, this can be used to create desserts by pouring it over ice cream or using it like a sauce for cheesecake or even strawberry shortcake to "juice up" those desserts.
XUXU Royale can be mixed with champagne for a juicy drink that has that unusual flavor. You can add the cassis but it's not necessary.
Here are two recipes that could be used for parties--whether for a crowd or for a party of two!
Xubana Ingredients:
2 oz XUXU,
4 oz banana juice
Instructions:
Pour the banana juice into a long drink glass, add 2 cubes of ice.\
Slowly pour 2 oz XUXU into the glass so that it does not blend with the banana juice.
Garnish the rim of the glass with a fresh strawberry and add two straws.
For those who want something with a little more kick and a little more balance (less sweetness), here's a great one though it does require a bit more effort It's also a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
THE RHUBE
2 oz XUXU
1 oz Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Simple Syrup
Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with a splash of house-made rhubarb soda.* Garnish with a fanned strawberry.
*For Rhubarb Soda:
To make rhubarb syrup, combine 6 cups chopped rhubarb stalks with 1 ½ cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the syrup and refrigerate (for up to one week). Makes 20 oz.
Combine equal parts rhubarb syrup with chilled club soda for Rhubarb Soda.
Currently it's available at www.xuxu.de, but will roll out nationally in June. Hit your local spirit retailer and ask them to order this. It's an ideal SUMMER mixer!
Happy Mixing!
