Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Easter Eggs and Treats

Easter Sunday is coming!

How do you celebrate Easter? Do you do a family brunch outing, an Easter egg hunt, or just have a quite meal at home? Let us know under "comments"!

Regardless of how you celebrate, when one thinks of Easter they think of decorating eggs and spending time with family and friends. If you don't have time to dye eggs, we recommend...

Color eggs with pastel colored markers or decorate eggs with stickers. Placing small circular stickers on an egg can give you an adorable polka-dot decoration!

Do you need a small treat for your Easter guests or friends? We recommend giving out jelly bean carrot favors. All you will need is:

Plastic pastry bag
Orange jelly beans
Green ribbon
Easter basket, optional

How-to:
1. Fill a plastic pastry bag 3/4 of the way with orange jelly beans.

2. Tie bag closed with a green ribbon.

3. Fill a basket with the treats and set them out as favors for a party.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Stella McCartney for GAP Kids

Stella McCartney has teamed up with GAP to design a collection for GAP Kids.

Sizes range from newborns to 12-year-olds and prices range from $14 for wool tights to $128 for a military jacket. Click here to check out the items online.

We are absolutely loving what she has done with this collection. Her crocheted pieces are adorable! McCartney has captured all of the trends for spring and made them wearable for children.

The line can be thought of as quite pricey, considering they are children's clothes, but overall we give her an A+.

Monday, March 29, 2010

1st Night of Passover & Morning After Matzo Brie

Tonight is the first night of Passover. Are you ready?!

Will you be making dinner for tonight's seder? If so, tell us what you are making for dinner and any family traditions you have under "comments".

We are looking forward to the next morning when we can have matzoh brie for breakfast!

Recipe:
*4 matzohs
* 4 eggs
* 1/2 cup milk
* Salt to taste
* White pepper to taste
* 3 Tablespoons butter

1. Break the matzohs into small pieces and soak them in the water in a large bowl until soft but not soggy. Drain well.

2. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper. Add the matzohs. Blend together.

3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add the egg mixture. Cook over medium heat. As the eggs begin to thicken and brown, stir from the bottom with a wide spatula or pancake turner, keeping the matzoh in large scrambled pieces. If you prefer, cook the egg-matzoh mixture as a large omelet, browning on both sides. Turn out onto warm serving dish.

Happy Passover!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Nancy Pelosi Turns 70?!

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi turns 70 today. Yes, that is correct 70 years old!

We have to say... Pelosi is 70 and looking absolutely fabulous. With the stress of her job and constantly having to stand up to the "big guys", Pelosi must have some pretty amazing beauty secrets up her sleeve.

Looking at Pelosi, would you think she is 70 years old? Do you have any favorite beauty secrets?

The beauty tips we have learned over time are:
1. Stay away from the sun! Always put on sunscreen and shield your skin from the sun. The texture and health of your skin is something that cannot be repaired.

2. Moisturize. Keeping skin moist makes it look fuller, healthier, and smoother.

3. Always wash your face before bedtime. Never go to sleep with a full face of makeup. Going to sleep with mascara on can cause dark circles underneath eyes.

You might also be wondering what a woman like Nancy Pelosi would be getting for her birthday. At a press conference yesterday, Pelosi said, "You know what I want for my birthday?" she said. "I think it's going to be a stove or a kitchen ... and that's good. I want a pool table. I've always wanted a pool table. I'll see how I do."

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Passover 2010

Passover is almost here!

Passover brings us a time of wonderful family traditions, but also a little pain in the food department. Exchanging wonderful bread, crackers, and cookies for matzoh can be extremely difficult.

What helps make the holiday a little sweeter is chocolate covered matzoh!

We recommend Martha Stewart's homemade toffee-chocolate matzoh.
Ingredients
4 sheets unsalted non-egg matzah
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
Coarse sea salt

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper Place matzah in an even layer on baking sheet and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar and immediately reduce temperature to low. Cook, stirring, adjusting heat as necessary, until sugar has completely dissolved and begins to bubble. Drizzle toffee over matzah and spread to cover using a spatula.
4. Transfer toffee-covered matzah to oven and bake until toffee has a rich, shiny sheen, 10 to 20 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Tent matzah with aluminum foil and let stand 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil tent and spread melted chocolate over matzah to cover; sprinkle with sea salt. Transfer matzah to refrigerator and let chill at least 2 hours.
7. Break chilled matzah into pieces. Matzah will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.

If you don't have the time or patience to try this recipe, we recommend purchasing dipping chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in it's container and begin to dip squares of matzoh in the chocolate or drizzle the chocolate over sheets of matzoh. Let cool and enjoy!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Vice President Biden - "a big f***ing deal"

The entire Country watched President Obama sign the health care bill. However, what seems to be getting continued media coverage was what the Vice President had to say yesterday to President Obama.

Vice President Biden seems to have let slip the f-word in introducing the President, murmuring, “This is a big f—ing deal!” regarding the bill. It looks like the Vice President did not realize the power of the microphone... watch the video below and let us know what you think!



So what did the White House have to say about all of this?

Well, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said in a "tweet," "And yes Mr. Vice President, you're right". Looks like they are laughing the comment off.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Eat, Pray, Love - The Movie

The best selling book, Eat, Pray, Love, has been turned into a star studded movie featuring Julia Roberts.

Watch the move trailer below and let us know what you think. Have you read Eat, Pray, Love? Are you excited to see it turned into a move? What do you think of Julia Roberts as the lead?

Monday, March 22, 2010

Item of the Day












Platinum 3 emerald cut diamonds ring - Retail value $9,938

* 2 emerald-cut diamonds mounted on either side of the center emerald-cut diamond

* Ring is a size 5

* Containing:

* One prong set emerald shaped diamond - 1.10 carats. Clarity is VVS-1 and coulor is G

* One prong set emerald shaped diamond - 0.54 carats. Clarity is VVS-1 and coulor is G-H

* One prong set emerald shaped diamond - 0.59 carats. Clarity is VVS-1 and coulor is G-H

* Total weight of diamonds is 2.23 carats

* Appraised value - $16,500

* Appraised by Ex-cessories.com

Friday, March 19, 2010

Friday Happy Hour

TGIF! Happy hour after work? Inviting friends over for after work drinks?

We recommend serving and enjoying Bethenny Frankel's low-cal mojito. Some mojitos pack up to 250 empty calories, but Frankel's version contain only 150. Using fresh lime juice and honey, instead of processed mixers and sugar, this drink is light and fresh, just like it was meant to be.

Ingredients
1/2 lime, cut into 6 wedges
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons torn mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon honey, warmed
2 ounces rum
4 ounces club soda
Fresh mint sprig (optional)
Lime wedge (optional)

Preparation

1. Fill a martini shaker with 1 cup ice. Add lime wedges, lime juice, and mint. Muddle lime and mint with a pestle or a long spoon until well-bruised and fragrant.

2. Combine honey, rum, and club soda; stir gently to dissolve honey. Add to muddled mixture; stir until mixture is well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice; garnish with mint and lime, if desired.

Serve with cut up veggies and a low calorie dip and add baked chips and salsa to make sure you aren't drinking on an empty stomach. Happy Friday!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Sandra Bullock - Relationship Issues?

The media is going crazy speculating the downfall of Sandra Bullock and Jesse James' marriage.

It all started with Bullock's failure to attend the British premiere of The Blind Side, citing personal circumstances/issues. From there, tabloid magazines began to unveil James' mistress, a tattoo model. Reports are now circulating that Bullock has moved out of their home.

Do you believe these rumors? Do you think the tabloids and media are targeting Bullock because of her Oscar success?

We aren't sure what to believe at this point, but hope more than anything that these are horrible rumors. If they are unfortunately true, we will be supporting Sandra Bullock all the way!

Let us know your thoughts and feelings under "comments".

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Are you wearing green today? Do you follow any St. Patrick's Day traditions? Let us know under "comments".

Bake something to get yourself in the St. Patrick's Day spirit! If you are pressed for time we recommend the ready-to-bake sugar green clover sugar cookies, which can be found at your local grocery store.

If you have more time, we recommend Martha Stewart's Clover Cookies. Click here for the recipe.

Monday, March 15, 2010

St. Patrick's Day - Go Green!

St. Patrick's Day is almost here and we have already seen green, green, and more green.

To get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit we recommend going green a step further than drinking green beer, wearing green accessories, or participating in a parade. We recommend making mother earth greener!

Our Go Green tips:
* Plant a tree
* Purchase a tree in the rainforest (click here)
* Make an effort to recycle more
* Replace your plastic bottle for an aluminum water bottle (we recommend SIGG)
* Grow your own produce

iPad is coming April 3

Apple's iPad is almost here! The iPad will be available on April 3, 2010.

Apple is also offering pre-ordering from the Apple online store. If you pre-order the iPad online you will have it delivered for free on April 3 or you can reserve to pick it up at your favorite Apple retail store on April 3.

Are you pre-ordering the iPad or purchasing the iPad on April 3? Are you an iPad fan or you could care less? Have to have it or can definitely live with out? Let us know under "comments".

Click here for more info on pre-ordering your iPad.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Lancome Chris and Tell

Designer Chris Benz created limited-edition Chris and Tell for Lancome, a neutral lipstick with a soft peach tone, which hit stores in February.

However, this lipstick is impossible to get your hands on! The lipstick which sells for $29 is sold out on Lancome's website and basically everywhere else. Some have even listed the lipstick on ebay for $50 to $95 dollars!

So what is it about this lipstick that is driving everyone crazy? Perhaps it is Rachel Zoe's support, the neutral shade that works on everyone, or the fact that it is limited edition. Either way, everyone is craving Lancome Chris and Tell. If you were one of the chosen ones who was able to get your hands on this lipstick please tell us all about it under "comments".

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Alexander McQueen's Final Collection...










Yesterday Lee Alexander McQueen's final collection consisting of 16 pieces was presented.

Sarah Burton, McQueen's right hand and design assistant for 16 years, said that in the beginning of the Fall 2010 collection, "He wanted to get back to the handcraft he loved, and the things that are being lost in the making of fashion. He was looking at the art of the Dark Ages, but finding light and beauty in it. He was coming in every day, draping and cutting pieces on the stand." At the time of McQueen's death, the 16 pieces shown had been 80 percent finished.

Before his death, McQueen told LOVE: "I’m 40 now, but I want this to be a company that lives way beyond me, and I believe that customers are more important to making that happen than press. When I’m dead, hopefully this house will still be going. On a spaceship. Hopping up and down above the earth.” For the moment, the design future of the label rests on the shoulders of the studio team led by Burton. “That will continue for the foreseeable future,” a spokesman said.

We hope to see McQueen's clothes and brand continue to flourish...

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Chef Jamie Oliver is starting a food revolution!

Oliver says, "I believe that every child in America has the right to fresh, nutritious school meals, and that every family deserves real, honest, wholesome food. Too many people are being affected by what they eat. It's time for a national revolution. America needs to stand up for better food!"

To get his revolution started, Oliver has teamed up with ABC to travel around America to visit schools, homes, and workplaces and change the way America eats. The first stop on this six part series is Huntington, West Virginia, which is home to the "unhealthiest city in America".

Would YOU like to learn more and be a part of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution? Well, YOU can! Sign Jamie Oliver's petition today by clicking here.

Watch the trailer for Jamie Oliver's new show below - you will be inspired and cheering for Oliver's Food Revolution!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Starbucks Drinks Getting BIGGER?!


Starbucks is currently testing a 31-ounce drink. This is about 4 cups of coffee or almost 1 liter. Talk about staying awake or getting a jolt...

So you may think why and what would they call something so huge? Well... they have named the new size "Trenta", after the Italian word for 30.

Right now, stores in Phoenix and Tampa are testing out the new size, which is 30% larger than previous Starbucks world record holder "Venti," at 24 ounces.

According to reports, the larger size is a hit with customers. McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts already sell 32-ounce drinks, but we do wonder why Starbucks would want to follow in their super sized footsteps.

What do you think of the "Trenta"? Too large or can't wait to get my hands on one? We think that getting bigger isn't better. Bigger drinks will allow for much higher calorie counts and increased dependance on caffeine.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Oscars 2010

Did you watch the Oscars last night? What an amazing night, especially for women!

Kathryn Bigelow, director of The Hurt Locker, made history last night by being the first female to win an Oscar for best directing. Her film was the big winner last night taking home 6 Oscars, including those for best picture and best original screenplay.

The Hurt Locker triumphed over the blockbuster Avatar, which was directed by Bigelow's former husband, James Cameron.

What a feeling that must be, to go head to head with your EX! Bigelow sat directly in front of Cameron and his partner. What an interesting night that must have been!

Congratulations to Sandra Bullock, who won best actress in a leading roll!

Best Picture: The Hurt Locker (Kathryn Bigelow)
Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart)
Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side)
Directing: The Hurt Locker (Kathryn Bigelow)

Let us know what you thought of the Oscars under "comments".

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Oscar Time!

Tonight is the 82nd Annual Academy Awards! Will you be watching? Who would you like to see win? Do you watch just for the fashion? Let us know under "comments"!

The nominees are...

Best Picture: Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, A Serious Man, Up, Up in the Air

Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner

Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Carey Mulligan, Gabourey Sidibe, Meryl Streep

Directing: Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Up in the Air, Precious

* One of our favorite nominated movies is Inglorious Basterds. We will also be looking forward to seeing what Sandra Bullock will be wearing.

Friday, March 5, 2010

New Spanx - Higher Power High Rise Briefs

Are you a huge fan of Spanx? Do you love their benefits, but find their styles not the most comfortable? Well, for the lovers and the haters, their new Higher Power High Rise Briefs might be your new bff.

This style features a high-wasted panty with shaping zones targeting problem areas to slim the tummy and contour the waist. The performance underwear slims the waistline and tummy with a comfortable cotton panty. These briefs are practically invisible, so no need to worry about this style peeking out of your skirts or dresses.

Spring and summer are almost here and these would be the perfect secret weapon for any party dress or high waisted skirt.

They are available on QVC.com - Set of 2 for $62.50. However, they are QVC's "Today's Special Value"! This means they are now $51.64. Click here to learn more.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Reduce Stress at Work










With more budget cuts, furlough, and more work to go around than employees, your current work environment may be very stressful.

We looked to Shape magazine to give us tips to reduce stress at work.
1. Get Moving - release endorphins and restore balance - take a coffee break, take a short walk around the building

2. Eat Breakfast - being hungry and low blood sugar are no good

3. Grab a Snack - keep your blood sugar levels in check

4. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol - be careful, these substances exacerbate your anxiety by releasing stress hormones

5. Stretch it Out - Hunching over your computer all day takes a toll, stretch your neck, back, and shoulders

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Louis Vuitton sues Hyundai over Super Bowl commercial


Louis Vuitton is going after the Korean Automobile manufacturer Hyundai with a trademark infringement suite filed in Manhattan Federal Court for using its trademarked logo in a Superbowl commercial.

Vuitton argues that Hyundai committed infringement by displaying their iconic famous and incontestable logo in the commercial displayed on a basketball. However, when looking closely, it is easy to recognize that the canvas on the basketball is only made to resemble the LV print, it is not the true print that Louis Vuitton trademarked in 1932. The faux print was used as a visualization of expensive luxury that is easily recognizable by many.

Watch the commercial below and let us know what you think under "comments". Team Louis Vuitton or Team Hyundai?


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper for MAC Viva Glam

Established in 1994 to support men, women and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS globally, VIVA GLAM I, II, III, IV, V and VI, were launched as continuous shades and have achieved tremendous success over the years. Spring 2010 sees two new VIVA GLAM shades introduced as limited life for 12 months on counter - Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga!

The duo created their own lipsticks - Gaga’s is a “bubble-gummy pink” and Cyndi’s is a “light coral red,” according to WWD. Each lipstick is $14.

“We want to make this trendy and fun. We don’t want this discussion of AIDS to become this overly intellectual discussion, because we need to make discussions about AIDS really normal,” Gaga said. “Sex education should be bright and vibrant and every woman should want to have this in her purse.”

It is important to note that every penny of the selling price of VIVA GLAM lipstick and lipglass is donated to the MAC AIDS Fund.

We love this pairing and important cause!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Temporary Tattoos

The very fashionable say, "get inked" this Spring.

Tattoo-inspired body art was shown by fashion houses as different as Rodarte and Jean Paul Gautier on their Spring 2010 runways. However, it was Chanel's body art that has everyone talking.

Called Les Trompe L'Oeil de CHANEL Temporary Skin Art, these limited edition designs are based on the temporary tattoos that global creative director Peter Philips designed for the Paris runway show. Each pack contains five sheets (with 55 total designs included in each) and starting in mid-February they will be sold for $75.00 at Chanel.com.

Is this a recession-friendly way to wear Chanel or is this just ridiculous?