Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Who Doesn't Need a Tote?




Metallic flecked cork tote $98 cwonder

Kittery tote  $98 Cole Haan


Lucca city tote $475 Tumi

Les Toiles Du Soleil beach bag $89 available for a limited time One King's Lane


Woven parrish tote $398 Coach




Tote handbag - coral $24.99 Target









Monday, April 29, 2013

Makeup: Classics and Newcomers


In the May issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine there is a Best List: Beauty & Style, chart of iconic colors.  These are tried and true, classic colors that flatter most and will make you happy day after day.  
I swear by the Nars blush, OPI nail laquer, Mac lip pencil and Clinique lipstick colors. 

Two rather new beauty products in my bag are:
These eye color sticks come in a range of 12 colors in a creamy formula that is convenient, long wearing and crease resistent. Apply with a brush or finger.  I love this product for travel or in my gym bag.  


Isn't mascara mostly about the applicator?  
Consider Sculpted Lash Mascara as lash artistry at its best. The “S” shaped brush grabs and thickly coats each lash, allowing you to sculpt, shape and style for a full-on, fanned-out effect. The nutrient-rich formula coats each lash from root to tip, ensuring your volume and shape lasts all day with no clumping or flaking.  (taken from the Sephora site)
It's true, no clumps and you can fan out your lashes for a great effect.  This product makes the most of skimpy lashes.

What products and colors do you depend on?


Friday, April 26, 2013

Spring Salmon and Sugar Snap Peas



Here is a quick, delicious, salmon recipe that exudes spring time with the addition of sugar snap peas and pea tendrils.  Asian flavors, including lots of fresh grated ginger take salmon to new heights of fantastic.
Have this on the table in about 40 minutes after coming home from work (but only 15 minutes of active time) or serve in the dining room to guests.


Ingredients:
Nonstick vegetable spray
1/4 cup Asian sweet chili sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger, divided
6 6-ounce salmon fillets with skin
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 1/2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry Sherry
3 cups pea tendrils or pea sprouts (6 ounces)

Prep:
Line rimmed baking sheet with foil.  Coat with nonstick spray.  Whisk chili sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon ginger in small bowl.  Place salmon fillets, skin side down, on prepared sheet.  Spoon chili sauce marinade over and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.  

Preheat broiler.  Spoon any marinade remaining on baking sheet over salmon fillets.  Broil salmon without turning until browned in spots and almost opaque in center, 6 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness of fillet. 

Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in wok or heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add remaining 1 tablespoon ginger and minced garlic; stir until aromatic, about 30 seconds.  Add sugar snap peas and stir until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.  Add remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, rice wine, and pea tendrils and stir just until wilted, about 1 minutes.  Drizzle with sesame oil.

Place 1 salmon fillet on each plate.  Spoon warm pea mixture over salmon fillet and serve.

Serves 6

Have a delicious weekend!








Thursday, April 25, 2013

What I've Been Reading



All That Is by James Salter
James Salter is a novelist, screenwriter, short story writer and winner of the PEN/Faulkner award.  His latest novel, All That Is, tells the story of a young naval officer, Phillip Bowman,  who returns home from World War II and finds a position as an editor.  Bowman finds that he is very good at his job and fits easily into the literary lifestyle of entertaining clients, making deals, travels to Europe and dazzling social engagements.  Where he is not so successful is in love.  A failed marriage, a marriage that fails to take place and then a love that relationship that betrays him and sets him on a course he could never have imagined.

A bittersweet story of a man eluded by love in a time when a conventional world is experiencing radically changing social values.
Six Years by Harlan Coben
It's a thriller.  It's a love story.  Harlan Coben will keep you entertained and in suspense.  
It was six years since Jake watched the love of his life, Natalie, marry another man.  He kept his promise to leave her alone, but can he continue to keep his promise?  Is Natalie alive?  Is she in danger?  ...you'll have to read it to find out.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
I have been waiting for a new book by Kate Atkinson and the wait is over.  I just downloaded Life After Life to my Kindle and started to read.  I've read everything she Ms. Atkinson has written and reviewed her Jackson Brodie books in a post you can read by clicking here.  I can't tell you anything yet since I just began to read but if you click here, you can see a review from the Huffington Post. 

What have you been reading?





Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Banana Republic Orange Belted Trench




I just returned from a 5 day trip to the east coast.  I traveled light with just a carry-on and limited my outerwear to just what I wore on the plane.  I choose this Banana Republic trench and keyed my footwear and other clothes accordingly.  This coat was the perfect weight and was extremely versatile.  It is very slimming and was comfortable while traveling or just taking a walk. Love the orange color which is not quite as bright as it appears in the photo, it is a bit more of a burnt orange.  
Definitely worth taking a look at this coat next time you are near a Banana Republic.  

Monday, April 22, 2013

Earth Day: Aveda: Light the Way Candle


An easy way to commemorate Earth Day today is to purchase an Aveda candle.



100% of the $12 purchase price will go to protecting clean water.  The candle glass is made from reclaimed beverage bottles.  The 100% organic candle ingredients have the fragrance of vanilla, cinnamon and ylang ylang.  

Friday, April 19, 2013

Happy Weekend: Girls Night Out



I'm visiting with family on the east coast.  BUT if you are in southeast Michigan on Friday, be sure to checkout Girls Night Out in Northville, MI.  And if you do, stop by Starring The Gallery, a great place to by handcrafted art from local artists, including moi ! (me)

Have a wonderful, refreshing weekend.  See you on Monday.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Aalto Stool: The Icon turns 80

Alvar Aalto designed this stool in 1933.  It is just as fresh today as it was 80 years ago.  To celebrate the anniversary, an anniversary edition is now available in the five colors you see above.  

At over $250, the Aalto 60 stool is pricey.  
How about this Ikea knockoff for $11.90?  Now you're talkin'!!!

And why not paint these stools for some added panache.  

This is the stool I painted for my studio.
Don't think of the stools just as extra seating.  They work as plant stands, side tables, nightstands too.










Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I'm Now on the Lululemon Team

I haven't had a boss, or had to be at work on time for over a decade.  I've worked from home on my own terms.  
That all changed this week as I started to work for Lululemon.  I've been wearing these workout clothes for years and even have my original purchases that are now 8 years old!! 
lululemon manifesto

I have a collection of these tanks.  They are my absolute favorite exercise tops.  Moisture wicking, built-in shelf bra, lightweight fabric, thin racerback straps for unrestricted movement and a long enough length to keep the your midriff covered.
My lululemon "bottoms" are the yardstick I use when buying non-athletic pants.  If they don't feel as good as my lulu's, I don't want them.  

Now I get to wear these clothes to work as well as for workout.

Have you ever tried Lululemon athletic wear?  If not, stop reading this and go try it on for yourself.  Let me know what you think.  

This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer.  





Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Lavender-Citrus Polenta Cake


Lavender and citrus, a perfect combination for a spring-time cake. This cake has a lovely floral fragrance and taste and the citrus is subtle.  A cup of Earl Grey tea is the perfect accompaniment.  Have a piece for breakfast or serve as dessert.  
The cake is made with almond meal and polenta and uses applesauce to make it light in texture and calories.  1/10 of an 8 inch cake is 310 calories and is gluten free.  Be sure to use culinary lavender. 

Lavender-Citrus Polenta Cake

4 oz butter, softened, plus extra for greasing pan
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs 
1/2 cup applesauce
2 cups almond flour, plus extra for flouring pan
3/4 cup fine polenta
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Butter a round 8 inch cake pan and dust with almond flour.  Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar and beat on medium speed until fluffy and lighter in color, about 2 minutes.  Add eggs one at a time then applesauce.  Beat until combined.   

In a separate bowl, combine flour with polenta and baking powder.  Add flour mixture, both zests and lavender to bowl of the stand mixer.  Mix on medium-low speed until just combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 - 40 minutes.  Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting or turning out onto a rack to cool.  










Monday, April 15, 2013

Monday Musings




How true!  No one will remember what clothes you wore today but they will remember that you took the time to really ask "how are you?" and talk to them.  When you follow up a conversation by remembering what they mentioned last time...you have a friend for life.  

Happy Monday







Friday, April 12, 2013

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Crafty Hand Painted Glassware


I saw this crafty, DIY idea on The Chew.  I don't know where I've been but I just discovered this show hosted by Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, and Daphne Oz.  While the show is mostly about food, there is a crafty segment on occasion.  OK, I digress...

from Clinton's Craft Corner on The Chew
About a month ago, the craft segment was hand painted glassware.  Now don't click off yet, this is very easy and fun.  
All you need are:
 some drinking glasses
Q tips
 acrylic paint
I spread out newspaper and found some little containers for mixing my paint.  You could easily use a paper plate as your paint mixing palette.  I bought paint to match some dishes I already owned.  You can use multiple colors or make an ombre effect by adding with white to your base color and making the dots lighter as you work your way up the glass.
Once you have your paint ready, just dip a Q tip into the paint and dab it straight onto the glass.  Press and release.  
View from the inside of the glass.
When the paint is dry, place the glasses upside down on a baking sheet and place in a cold oven.  Turn on the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 30 minutes to set the paint.  Turn off the oven and allow to cool in the oven for 1 hour before handling.  Hand wash your glasses rather than using the dishwasher.  
I'm really happy with the way these turned out.  I bought these cheap dishes and glasses at Ikea for use on my deck.  These glasses are fun and really pull the look together.  

Click here to see the video and read the instructions on how to paint the strip and chevron patterns.  








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