Vuuve, A Bottle With Spice & Charm
January 31, 2009
In the search of more delicious beers made in Belgium, every so often there will be something that catches my eye hidden amongs the many bottles of the store. Just look at this little bottle, it is so charming!
It was hidden behind the post that divides the shelves, and there were only a few. The label is quite simple as its description. Looking through the bottle- and seeing that I very well could not look through it, I was sold. It is just asking for a tasting, so I will bite.
Beautiful! The texture is smooth and lovely and the spice is quite welcoming- nothing overbearing either. Very nice balance, just melts in your mouth delicious.
Ingredients are simple: barley malt, wheat malt hops, coriander and fresh orange peel- also known as the spice of this beer. Goes lovely together without anything else getting in the way. Am delighted with this purchase and will definitely seek it out again, such a grand treat!
See if you can find this charming little bottle, you will be pleased you did.
Yellow Frilly Fashion Look
January 30, 2009
I love the delightful look and feel of a soft yellow- it is such a cheerful color and I do love to wear it. Add a little delicate texture and it is even greater.
I felt like being girlie and playful with a bit of cheer, and yellow always performs so well- so I matched up this fun frilly scarf with a simple yellow skirt of the same shade.
It is a subtle match but it does so much that way- for such a soft color it makes a bold and loud statement. It is impossible to not smile wearing it as well, which makes me love it even more.
The color itself is a very spring look, but when combined with the black I think it can pull of the winter look just fine- you are seeing more pastels come out as it is. I say if you love it and you are feeling it- then wear it. That is what counts after all.
Keeping your hair shiny, silky, and nourished
January 29, 2009
This is something I have been using recently-for the past few months now at least, on a regular basis. I love this product, not only is it light and silky in texture itself- it smells radiantly gorgeous!
Seriously, I love the subtle perfectly scrumptious scent of this product. It is such a beautiful smell! It is very light and feels weightless in my hair- I cannot stand it when I can feel the product, let alone with a product is sticky and gunky. None of that from this one- it is smooth perfection.
I asked my stylist to recommend something I could use for days that I do not wash my hair- something to keep my ends nourished and smooth but without the gunky feeling. This is what he presented to me and I couldn’t be happier. It is truly what I wanted.
This particular bottle is the ends express from wella’s System Professional Line. Look for the SP symbol; this bottle cost me about $24 from the salon- though prices I am sure could range. It is well worth every bit of it and honestly I was surprised by the low price for such a product (I was expecting a little over $100 honestly as some of these items can be about that much). Even then it would be worth it to me, but I’ll take the pretty price of twenty four dollars for it any day.
A little goes a long way, so the little bottle will last quite a while. Just a small pump and my hair feels cleaner than clean and moves so freely with a beautiful and healthy shine. I definitely recommend it and will continue to use it over and over again!
A Time for Tasty Little Indulgences
January 28, 2009
Don’t you just love the special little treats that make a meal or an evening oh so special? Sometimes it means spending that extra on a fine wine or on an extraordinary appetizer. And other times it means being included in having a special home made and off the menu limoncello while dining at a restaurant with friends. This weekend I had the pleasure of indulging in both!
After experiencing another incredible Master Mind in Tampa, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. A favorite appetizer of ours is their seafood medley pictured above- talk about delicious. This was a much awaited treat and we were not disappointed. Lobster, crab, shrimp, and more all pleasantly ready to be devoured- yum.
There is never a bite missed- and it makes for the perfect indulgence before our steaks. The best of both worlds, definitely a grand occasional treat. Makes it all the more special that we only have it with our friends.
Next, on the following evening Timothy and I were treated to a delightful dinner with his father and step mom at this hidden gem of a restaurant near their home. A wonderful Italian restaurant whose owner is from Italy- the food is always wonderful and better each time we go- quite difficult to do. The best part to me is the dessert, where the owner is kind enough to offer us some of his homemade limoncello- DELICIOUS! I love limoncello, and when properly done it is especially divine.
Yes, sometimes some special and oh so tasty indulgences are called for, and especially when loved ones can be involved. What are your special treats?
Pretty In A Bow
January 26, 2009
Something I haven’t done in ages- but used to always do and love, is wearing a ribbon around my waist and tying it into a bow for the absolutely adorable belt result.
I think it began as a child- you know how it was, turning the gift wrapping into accessories.. I loved the silky long ribbons people used to wrap their presents and would keep them to wear them as a belt (still do, lol). They come in such beautiful vibrant colors, too. It is just such a waste to throw them away.
This one is a more down to earth shade, very neutral. But when combined with a matching skirt of the same color- they come together in a delicate and feminine cute fashion. It is a look I love and feel comfortable in, its hard not to smile when you have a bow tied around your waist after all.
If you do not wish to use it as a belt- but still want to incorporate the ribbons into your fashion- they make a great accessory when tied into a bow on your purse, too! Very adorable and such a nice unique touch.
Here’s to more great fashionable ideas and inspirations 
much love.
Kobe Burger, Fois Gras, & Trufles I Love You
January 23, 2009
Mmmmm.. so heavenly! One of my favorite things to indulge upon is a kobe burger topped off with fois gras and truffles!
Be still my heart- the look of it alone is beautiful. The photo above is from the Wall Street Burger Shoppe in New York, and it looks divine.
In Miami, I would always go to Prime 112 to satisfy my cravings (oh, also the fries are made in truffle oil). They also made my beloved Lychee Martinis there, what else would I need.
Actually, at Prime 112 they also have a Kobe hot dog, its a big one, too. Kinda awkward for some, haha. Its fun to watch the reaction when someone sees it for the first time. Definitely something to behold. If you go and want to simply enjoy a meal, I would recommend lunch time. Its much more pleasant if you aren’t trying to do the whole “just to be seen” sort of thing. Gets overrated and crowded wherever you are under those circumstances. But I have always found lunch to be perfect there. (That or an extremely late dinner is nice too).
Nom Nom- Yum. Anyway, wherever you are I would recommend hunting one down, it is well worth it. If you travel make sure to indulge in one along the way.
Caipirinha: Cocktail Luxury Of Brazil
January 22, 2009
caipirinha's as seen from story from LAtimes.com
I remember my first taste of a traditional caipirinha. Living in Miami, many of my friends were from Brazil and knew the drink well. I would see them drink it and it was only a matter of time before I began to indulge myself.
So what is a Caipirinha, anyway- besides a confusing to pronounce alcoholic beverage? A traditional one is quite simply:
muddled limes and sugar &..
2 oz cachaça
Cachaça is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane and is most known for its relation to Brazil. It is very much the alcohol of Brazil.
A restaurant by the name of Table8 in Miami (though originally from LA as seen from the photo above) offered a black cherry caipirinha- talk about deadly and delicious! Their twist of the drink involved muddled black cherries with cachaça. It definitely was a moment of: oh, how delicious, let me devour a couple and then discover upon my first attempt to move that the world will move around for me first. It is quite potent! so beware and take caution.
Gourmet offers a recipe for a passion fruit caipirinha, which calls for the traditional recipe with the addition of pure passion fruit juice. The drink is quite simple to start which allows itself very open to fruit inspired variations.
All are grand really, it is difficult to mess up. Oh how I do love my cocktails, and I must say I have been quite happy to see this beverage show up in more and more bars across the states. This is one to keep your eyes peeled for. Try it (in small doses to start perhaps, or at a slower pace if anything else) and enjoy its luxurious flavor.
Don’t feel as though you have to wait for your bartenders to discover this for you first- they are simple to make at home provided you find the cachaça.
Make a traditional one and then make your own lavish concoction. Its really quite fun, invite some friends and make it an occasion to remember.
It’s More Wednesday Than You Know
January 21, 2009
Or apparently that I knew at least- one of those originally unintended incidents is the cause of it all, too. I mean, I know it is the middle of the week but I didn’t realize I would be channeling Wednesday Addams!
It started out innocently enough, with my outfit. A fun little top that is almost a dress- black with puffed sleeves, a white little collar, and red buttons. It is straight and short in the front and then swoops down longer in the back.
Because it is so short I must wear shorts for this ensemble, but it comes together as a cute look. I’ve been wearing my hair sleek and straight and felt like changing things up, so I decided to wear some braids since it has been a while. Honestly, I did them fairly quickly as it is simple to do and stepped out of the bedroom.
The moment my fiance saw me he greeted me with a, “hello Wednesday!” before I even realized it. Ha.
Truly not on purpose at all but I see it now obviously. I’ve worn this outfit in the past, but with my hair straight the connection isn’t there so it never crossed my mind.
It is the details that change everything, isn’t it? Completely different look and feel simply from the hair, wow. I love it, though.
Always did like Wednesday, have no problem channeling the look for a day
Alexander McQueen And Target Love
January 20, 2009
A man of design genius, the name alone makes my heart anxious. I adore the designs, the creativity, the feminine fantasies concocted by Alexander McQueen. Absolutely beautiful and heavenly.
So when I heard that he is to participate with a collection for the International line at TARGET, you can imagine my excitement- wow!
I don’t know if I can handle waiting, though I suppose I do not have the choice. Simply, I am pleased to know I will have a choice to purchase his designs and the oh so wonderful TARGET store! Yet another reason to love that place.
I haven’t seen all of the designs for this venture just yet, though I do believe a skinny jean is involved- yum, I know whatever he will do will be fantastic and fun. I am looking for some beautiful sleeves and dreamy dresses. In the mean time I felt it appropriate to bask in some of his other more luxurious designs.
Oh how much do I love these designs- they are gorgeous! So dreamy and luxurious! I cannot wait until the TARGET line is officially revealed and available, you can be certain I will be there early and ready. More to come soon on this gem of a discovery. It is planning to be revealed at TARGET stores in March of this year.
Floral Scents Of Beauty
January 19, 2009
Lately I have been feeling refreshed and pretty with floral and feminine scents. I don’t like something that is too heavy or carries such a musk you feel as though you are living in a swamp- small doses are in order with heavier scents.
But I do like something light and crisp with maybe just a hint of a bite, something that gets your curiosity and attention going and says “ooooh.”
I love Viktor & Rolf, they are creative and inspiring to me. With a name like FlowerBomb and such a delightful presentation, I was anxious early on to see the results. I find it to be lightly feminine and bold with that bite that is just right. And it definitely has it- bold and feminine bottled in such a pretty little bottle of a bomb. Its one I keep in supply at all times.
Now this one is perfectly feminine and sweet. It is light with a nice balance- a noticeable and welcome presence that is not at all overwhelming.
In fact, how I came to find it and love it is a story of itself- completely unintended at that.
A couple of years ago I was at work one day, standing in the entry way bored with a few other girls. It was that time of day where nothing happens, the calm before the storm if you will. It lasts an eternity it seems.
Anyway, there was a magazine I had been flipping through when suddenly a scent got my attention. I instantly smiled and sighed, tore the page and started fanning myself. Then, I proceeded to fan the girl next to me.
She instantly smiled and sighed. There we were, fanning ourselves and smiling. Now the third girl was looking at us quite strangely, it wasn’t as though it was hot in the room or anything. We motioned and offered to fan her, she shook her head giving us the notion that we were indeed insane.
We laughed and began to fan her when she too- instantly began smiling. She got it at that point, and in fact was so in love purchased the perfume the next day.
We always could tell when someone was wearing it- it is just so lovely. Whenever I wear it I always think of that day when I first discovered it. Anyone watching us must have thought we were mad!
Oh well, I still enjoy Calvin Klein’s euphoria blossom today as the perfect refreshing scent for my day.
Looking Beautifully Blue With A Frosting-Like Glamor
January 17, 2009
Doesn’t it just look all shiny and radiant, yet yummy like frosting? Yay, it is officially here- my birthday! And of course I always love to dress the role. A party dress thought up just for the occasion- and of course, with the accessories and shoes to match.
I love it when three items match exactly- like this dress, shoes and purse. Absolutely adore the look and feel of it, and so I wanted to treat myself.
I purchased this dress at BCBG and the moment I saw it I knew it was mine. No questions about it, and it was brand new and no where near on sale. Didn’t matter, I knew we were meant to be. And when I tried it on and discovered it had pockets- its charm had me even more!
I *love* a short frilly dress with pockets, especially when they aren’t obvious. Something is just especially cute about it, and I feel like I have a secret that only I know. It make it extra cozy, too.
And it gets better- once I am home I realize that not only do I have a darling little clutch in the shape of a bow that matches in color, I *also* have darling high heels with a bow in the same matching color. Awesome! Never occurred to me until the instant I returned home, love when that happens. Old accessories become new again.
It is perfect, and you can imagine how pretty and fabulous I am feeling for my birthday! It is a beautiful day outside as well, sunny and refreshingly cool- I am delighted!
The Latest Belgian Beauty
January 16, 2009
What could be more wonderful than a luxurious abbey ale? I love my Belgian beers, and with good reason seeing as they are the best, in my opinion of course. Last night I finally was able to taste one in particular I have had an eye on for quite a while. And this one is making my favorite’s list without question.
It is the bottle that caught my attention this time- I love it. So cool to the touch with that unique texture, makes me feel at home. When I was a child, I remember actually having a water bottle of this same material. Keeps the contents extra cool and at just the right temperature. So now I have moved from a water bottle to beer, it is good to have both most likely. It does make things quite fun.
St. Sebastiaan Dark is a dark top-fermented abbey ale brewed according to the purity law of 1516. Old and true like so many of its Belgian brothers. They all have this velvety malty sort of texture that is filled with a luscious flavor- each beer having its own distinct taste.
This one, with a smell of spice and caramel has a slightly bitter sweet bite to it that is marvelous. Honestly, when I first tasted it, Gingerbread came instantly to mind. And I do love gingerbread. It works wonderfully in this form- so delicious! I cannot wait to purchase another.
Seriously, like dark gingerbread- so heavenly.
They have some other styles and tastes I will have to try from them; dark is usually my favorite so I grabbed it first naturally. I think the Grand Cru will be next on my list.
A gorgeous bottle with the contents to match- so fabulous. I would have been disappointed if it wasn’t anything other than great. My Belgian beers never let me down though, so all is well and better than ever.
This is a must try- loves! And what perfect timing, a taste right before my birthday. May have to try the other tomorrow in celebration, who knows.
