A Chic And Coral Hidden Treasure
April 19, 2009
Hidden treasure never looked so fabulous- and for something as common as this, I love when a designer has fun and adds a bit of luxury into the most simple items we use. Suddenly getting ready in the morning has a much more glamorous feel, and I know I am excited to be using these lovelies.
And possibly the best part, beyond their gorgeous appearance and feel, is the price and location of these gems… Target! They are only 19.99, and are a limited edition so be sure to pick them up while you can. This is an incredible deal for brushes of any kind, let alone fabulously designed ones such as these. It is definitely a steal I had to act quickly on myself, and wanted you to be aware of them as well.
The collection comes from Sonia Kashuk and is called the “hidden treasure” limited edition brush set, the name is perfect. It includes six beautiful brushes and a travel case to match. All the brushes are very soft against the face and very nice, especially for the price. Love it!
Playing with my make up in the morning has a whole new look and feel; fabulous brushes? Can’t go wrong there, a beautiful and stylish move from Sonia Kashuk for Target.
Happy Anniversary Pretty & Fabulous! Wow,
April 17, 2009
Wow, has it truly been a year already? It was around this day one year ago that it all began- Pretty and Fabulous! Wine, shoes, accessories, dresses, hairstyles, food, and even heavenly beers- it all started then.
I am delighted to bring new inspirations and ideas as well as lovely tastes to indulge in, but today I am going to reflect in some of the posts of the past and let you indulge as well.
What are your favorite posts? What are your favorite styles of posts?
Talk to me, and let me know what you love the most. I love hearing from you as you are a part of this place, too!
Be speaking with you soon, loves. xx
Pommard, A Love Of Luxurious French Wines
April 13, 2009
I love wine, and as the evening arrives and all is calm and quiet- I love nothing more than to relax with a glass of Burgundy. Even when we have some guests over for conversation, a bottle of luxurious wine is always present- it makes us warm and happy.
I love all styles of wines, but burgundy- or pinot noir, is my personal favorite.
So I thought this evening I would share with you what I am drinking, and be forewarned, this is certainly an earthy, full, and rich red wine.
It is a 2005, and comes from the appellation of Pommard, France- where only red wines are allowed to be produced. The wines are known for their full bodied tannic quality, and because of it do well with aging. I admit I am opening this one early (five is generally a minimum with this one, and as many as fifteen or more does very well to soften the tannins and bring out the complexity of the fruit flavors and dimensions).
I used one of my fun little wine tools to speed up the breathing process as well as letting it rest, and I must say it was still quite the treat! Definitely holds well with food- something rich and meaty like a filet, especially something gamey like venison or elk. Nom!
Very rich of red fruit- black cherry, black currant, and plum. Love it. Without the Wine Aerator Tool I have it would come across more bitter, which is why it will do better with time. This is certainly something I would purchase again (and let rest for a future celebration or gathering).
Cheers, loves!
Sultry Silver Smoky Eyes
March 27, 2009
After playing with brilliant bold colors (like coral and gold), I am ready for a more sultry elegant look- and for me silver is just the color. There are endless possibilities, and this morning I decided to lean on the bolder side of silver. Nothing too out there, just a subtle hint through some dramatic eyes in my makeup.
And so I played with my make up to do a classic look with a silver glow. A nice touch of eyeliner to elongate the eyes and really make them pop combined with the classic smoky eye make up- only with more of a silver presence to make the look all the more dramatic and glamorous.
My lashes are pretty long to begin with naturally, but when you add the Le 2 Mascara from Guerlain it maximizes the volume and length like nothing else (I love it).
It is more about the silver faded into the hint of dark gray that collects at the ends of the eyes- one side with a fine eyeliner and the other with the rich smoky finish.
The finished look is simple but quite bold- a little can go a long way. It doesn’t take long to do but the results last the entire day and feel flawless. This is a fun look to do and a great way to get excited about the day.
I did mine with silver and gray colors- however if you’re looking for even more, go for the gold. Use a nice bronze or gold and mix it into a darker shade of brown- definitely rich and glamorous as well. Even a dark purple could prove to be royal and luxurious.
Play around and make it your own, simple is key as a little goes a long way. Its the details that count.
Seriously Delicious Sashimi Nomness
March 23, 2009
The other evening, my hunny and I had a sudden craving for sushi and decided to indulge- why not? I never turn down the chance, I adore sashimi and the place we love to go to also makes marvelous lychee martinis.
And whenever I go out to a restuarant, my favorite thing on the menu is what the chef selects for me. After all, the chef knows best. I love to let them have fun with a meal and create something they are especially proud of, and the experience is all the more wonderful because of it.
We like to sit at the bar instead of a table at this restaurant, that way we can interact with the chefs and watch the preparation (truly an art and delight to be a part of). I’ll usually ask what is fresh and recommended, and then let them chose and go all out with it. I am rewarded beyond my expectations each and every time- wow. (the last time I was there for a quick bite, I had the flounder sashimi which was presented in a gorgeous manner and pictured above)
I don’t even know what I am ordering half the time- since I let them decide. But I make sure to know afterwards so that I can order it again, as was with this case the other evening. The Aji sashimi (above) was presented so beautifully before us- and each bite was soooo heavenly- perfect! Subtle but lovely flavors with a great and tender texture. But it didn’t end there with the aji- the sashimi was just the beginning.
When we were done with the sashimi portion of the plate- the chef had the remaining fish head and bones fried and returned to us to eat.
I *love* the collar and cheeks of a fish, so this was a very welcoming surprise!
Needless to say, between the two of us nothing remained of this dish in the end, and it is one we are more than anxious to order again-very the “nom”.
As amazing as this was- it was not the best of the evening. The best would have to be reserved for the Live Scallop Sashimi we had immediately afterward. What a treat- I had to fight for the last bite on this one!
Sashimi (raw) on one shell, and then cooked and prepared on the other shell. The raw was definitely my favorite, as was the favorite for my hunny and the couple we became friends with next to us at the bar (they even ordered one, too!). This was incredible. I don’t think words would do it justice, but know that it was by far the favorite of the evening all around. And after having some incredible tastes beforehand, that is saying a lot.
And for dessert? A bite of uni- beautiful way to end a luxurious meal ;D
Bundled Up In A Gorgeous Fur
March 15, 2009
Ever since I was a very small child, an infant really, I can recall being held and being surrounded in fur- the feeling is what I remember most. The soft delicate fur against my skin, keeping me warm in the arms of loved ones. Two aunts in particular stand out in my mind with their incredibly gorgeous coats, and I remember it all.
I remember having my first full coat when I was about five or so, it was sized just for me and I loved it. I wore it every chance I had, even if it meant just being at the house. My mother even found a matching purse to go with it (be it a very small one, but an adorable one I still have to this day).
This particular coat I am wearing now is a vintage fox fur coat my fiance had gotten for me, knowing my love of furs. I adore it, as I am taken back to the happiness I felt as a child and feel marvelous now. A few select signature pieces are all I need, they are much more special and luxurious that way. And I still use and love the small fur accessories I had as a child.
Not many things survived the fire of my home years ago, but some of the items that were put away in storage or at family member’s house did survive- and it is those items that I cherish. Anytime I am able to replace an item lost in the fire that was once so valuable to me I am incredibly grateful.
Usually, only when I travel do I get the opportunities to wear my furs; and I do love to travel. Though lately, it has been so incredibly cold out that my coat is perfect to wear here at home. And you can be certain this is an opportunity I will not miss.
And so these passed few nights and afternoons I have been happily warm in my coat and out with friends having sushi, cocktails, and burgers. Life is truly grand, and the details make the difference.
Beauty In Bubble Baths & (Sometimes) Being a Baby
February 17, 2009
Because sometimes you just want to be a baby, you know? I’ve been sick the past few days and sleeping longer than even the kitties cuddled up with me- much needed and definitely beginning to feel better now. Pretty much the only thing I could get the energy to get up and do was indulge in a bath.
And for me, when I am sick I feel like a baby. So why not take it to a step further and be a little bit of a baby? The bubbles are only one direction- and for it to be right, the more bubbles the better! Definitely a way to cheer up with a bit of fun. But when sick…it can be a little different.
And it is at times like this that a soothing vapor bath does wonders (not to mention feels incredibly luxurious on its own). Feeling like a baby never felt so lovely.
I like to go all the way and use the Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Vapor Bath, just like the babies. Why not?
Sometimes its the things of our childhood that brings us right back up to speed as adults, and more focused than ever. This is a treat I like to reserve for when I am sick, and it makes it all the more special of an occasion. Being sick doesn’t have to be a completely horrible experience – it’s all about getting better and doing so in style. That way we can get back to the things we love.
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.
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.
