Award Winning Beauty

( Via Marie Claire )

Super model, Karlie Kloss, took my breath away at the Oscars, as did most of the stars. They were all coiffed to chic perfection. It took a village of professionals, and just the right products to create the well thought out looks for each celebrity. Scroll down for all of the pretty details.

HERE: 9 Red Carpet Beauty Looks

Emma Roberts
Famed makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury, prepped Emma's skin with one of her just launched "Magical Facial Dry Sheet Masks." Which I could only find on E-Bay. Buy it from there or sign up on Charlotte's website to be notified when it is in stock. Then she gave her a blue-red matte lip in her own color, Red Carpet Red, and a sweep of bronze eyeshadow. Tilbury's own line of eyeshadows are extraordinarily beautiful!

Jessica Biel
I loved her look, and her hair was the perfect accessory to the fabulous KaufmanFranco column dress. It was styled using innovative Virtue Labs haircare, and the latest Dyson Hair Dryer. Her Egyptian vibe called for a graphic cat eye using, Chanel Ecriture de Chanel Eyeliner Pen in Brun. To compliment her strong eyes,  a sheer stain with a neutral liner and Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in Coco were used on the lips. 

Janelle Monae

 This girl glowed from head to toe. Her lips were done in Cover Girl's Outlast All-Day Color & Gloss in Profound Peach. Her crowning glory, however, was a Jennifer Behr crown. Neiman's has a beautiful collection of her hair accessories.  

Chrissy Teigen

To create Chrissy's updo, hair hero Jen Atkin prepped damp hair with Ouai Wave Spray from the mid-length through ends and Christophe Robin Volumizing Mist (made of 96% rose water) at roots," then blow-dried with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, ( I want this!) lifting at the hairline. Her makeup began with several shades of the ultra luxe La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation. Her complexion was highlighted with Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector. Glossier's Generation G Lipcolor in cake was the perfect neutral. 

Emma Stone

Her look was meant to be "a mixture of 1930s glamour with a little bit of Pre-Raphaelite inspiration" stated Rachel Goodwin, who has been part of Emma's glam squad for years. To get this award winning look head to Nars Cosmetics and choose in part: Pore & Shine Control Primer, Velvet Matte Skin Tint, the award winning Radiant Concealer, Bronzing Powder in Laguna, the most gorgeous Dual Intensity Blush in Jubilation, Illuminator in Copacabana, (love that product) Velvet Shadow Stick in Siros, a great golden color,  Eyeshadow in Himalia and matte Bali, Audacious Lipstick in Mona.  Whew!

Sofia Carson

Makeup artist Patrick Ta used Lorac Alter Ego Lipstick in "Pin Up," on this real life Disney princess. She gives credit to the Clarisonic cleansing system for that glowing complexion. Nars Vanilla Radiant Creamy Concealer is her daily "lifesaver."

Hailee Steinfeld

Not one, but two Ballerina Buns topped this beauty, who had one of my favorite looks of the evening. Toni & Guy Creative Style Spray Wax was used to keep the buns beautiful. Full brows, glossy pink lips and smokey eyes added drama. She also rocked Essie's Buy Me A Cameo, a gorgeous rose-gold pink on her nails.

Taraji P Henson’s

Makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff  began with a Dermaflash exfoliating treatment. Then she used Kate Somerville's Goat Milk Eye Balm. It's great as it also de-puffs. Her eyes were highlighted with Damone Roberts Peach for the Stars Eyebrow Highlighter. The cheekbones were given a touch of Glossier's so-new-it's-not-even-out-yet, Cloud Paint Seamless Cheek Color in Dusk.  (Get on the wait list here)

Karli Kloss

This super model gave us serious old Hollywood vibes with her Oscar look. She wore soft tangerine L’Oreal eye makeup and blush, along with a bold orange lip.The key product to her glamorous hair was L'Oréal Paris Hair Expert Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo.

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Shining Moments For You & Your Home

Saturdays At Shop This

( Via: Harpers Bazaar )

"Hello Gorgeous." That's how Barbara Streisand greeted her first Oscar in 1969, for Funny Girl. I was just a kid then, but that outfit and hairdo has stayed with me ever since. That year, she stole the show by her look, and the fact that she had tied with Katherine Hepburn for best actress. Today on Shop This, we celebrate all things Hollywood.

And speaking of the Oscars. Just for fun, have your own red carpet moment at M'oda Operandi. Their dress edit features #swoonworthy dresses from the best designers. Click to shop or just dream.

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There surely is a whole lot of pampering going on in Beverly Hills and Hollywood today. The best of the best is Kate Somerville. She has been caring for the skin of others for over 25 years. I have had the pleasure of visiting her clinic on Melrose Place a few years back. Now you can treat yourself with her proven skincare products, and receive a $67 Anti-Aging Gift with purchase. Details

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Stylist to the Stars, Rachel Zoe, now offers her "Box of Style" every season. It's an over $350 value for $99. Certainly a beautiful buy. Click to get a preview of what's inside the Spring Box. Loving those earrings!

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On stage and The Red Carpet, it is always lights, camera, action. Most of us don't have our own cameramen. Enter, Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Palette. It is so gorgeous!
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When watching the Oscars, there's a good deal that we don't see. Specifically what's under those dresses. Nordstrom Rack has a big Spanx Sale going on.
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Speaking of what's beneath. Celebrities have Cellulite, too. One of the more intimate gifts in their Swag Bags this year is the SweetCheeks Cellulite Massage Mat. If this is your issue, Amazon has them. 
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There will be millions of dollars in jewels on the Red Carpet Sunday from the likes of  Harry Winston or Lorrraine Schwartz. For us regular folks, there's the Fantasia by DeSerio Cubic Zerconia Collection at Neiman Marcus.
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So, do you think La La Land will win it all? I din't see the film, but I think Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's City Of Stars is very sweet. Have a listen: HERE
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Having a Viewing Party? Have a look at my post Oscar Party Provisions for some quick inspiration and recipes.
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And finally, if a trip to La La Land is in your future, yay for you, I love Los Angeles. Barneys New York has a wonderful L.A. City Guide online now at The Window.
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Oscars 2013

In 2013, Jennifer Lawrence, fell up the stairs....with style. I remember thinking "that poor girl." But she got up, dusted herself off, made a joke, and received an award. Remember that. Your past does not define you. It strengthens you.  

Have a great weekend!

Foodie Friday: Fat Tuesday Feasting

( Via: BHG )

You wouldn't exactly know it by the tipsy tourists slinging beads from balconies, but Mardi Gras is fundamentally a religious holiday. In other words, Fat Tuesday can be considered divinely sanctioned binge eating! It's the last day, for some, to indulge in all the booze and beignets one can eat before Lent begins.  I have never been to "N'awlins, but after doing this roundup, I want to be there now! If you and I can't be there dancing in the streets, we can at least feast like we are. Scroll down and get ready to Laissez les bon temps rouler!

HERE: 20 Party Perfect Recipes

Commander's Palace Bread Pudding Souffle with Whiskey Sauce

Let's start with dessert first, shall we? Adapted from "Commander's Kitchen," by Ti Martin and Jamie Shannon. This is an authentic recipe.

Martha Stewart   

Chicken Étouffée
This just looks like a big bowl of comfort food. It does have a long list of ingredients, and Maple Syrup and beer are two of them.
Wholefully

Tequila Slammer Marshmallows

Forget any past experiences that you may have had with tequila. This dish will change all of that. And how fun is it to drink your dessert?

Gourmet Traveller 

Masquerade Sugar Cookies

How fun are these? The recipe is easy. Besides the sugar, butter and flour, you'll need the following: Mask Cookie Cutters, Gold Sugar Pearls, Wooden Swizzle Sticks and Sanding Sugar. Get the recipe at...

Bake Love Give

Blue Cheese Lobster Beignets with Spicy Avocado Cream + Garden Veggie Sauté

Boy, a picture does say a 1,000 words, doesn't it? For a girl that has never had a Beignet, this recipe is a good place to start!

Half Baked Harvest

Shrimp and Crab Gumbo

A gumbo from chef-owner Donald Link of Herbsaint in New Orleans. This is the real thing made from a roux that with the right amount of cooking becomes coffee colored. Gumbo Yummo!

Food and Wine  

Oyster Pot Pie
You can have your chicken pot pie, I'll have this. Let's just say two words - garlic and pecorino cheese. Click the link for more drool worthy ingredients.
Louisiana Cook'n 

Lighter Shrimp Po Boys With Avocado Mango Slaw

Instead of being breaded and fried, the shrimp in this recipe has been skillet seared with just a little olive oil. Don't worry, there are plenty of spices, so the flavor is there without the fat!

Half Baked Harvest  

King Cake Filled Two Ways

A Mardi Gras classic cake that celebrates the season with two different fillings - gooey cinnamon-pecan or a kicked-up cherry bourbon cream cheese. They both sound fabulous.

Lemon - Sugar 

Classic New Orleans Remoulade Sauce
If you love mayonnaise, you'll adore this classic French sauce. Louisianans have adapted it for their own by adding spicy creole flavors. Serve it with po'boys, fried shrimp, oysters, crab cakes and catfish.
My Recipes  

Bourbon Shrimp and Cheesy Grits Recipe

If you are not a grits fan, like me, this recipe may change your mind. Sounds delish! 

Taste For Travel 

Beignets Tiramisu With Chocolate Ganache

Called donuts of the South, beignets are one of the reasons people travel to New Orleans. Teaming these treats up with dark chocolate, coffee, and Kahlua, creates an over the top dessert! I think I will try this one.

Half Baked Harvest 

Shrimp and Chorizo Cajun Jambalaya
Fresh and fragrant, this dish is a saucy-spicy mix of shrimp, sausage, rice and veggies. Dinner is done!
Baker By Nature

Passion Fruit Hurricane

Try this, if you can't get to Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans. I have not had one, but they look like fun. They are created with Passion Fruit Juice, which may be hard to find. Amazon has it, if you can't find it locally. Make a big batch, this drink is a crowd pleaser. Cheers!

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Spicy Slow Cooker Gumbo

A five star Southern recipe that is made from chicken thighs and okra, just to name a few ingredients. It just looks like it smells and tastes like heaven.

Williams Sonoma   

Pain Perdu
New Orleans style French Toast. Ice cream for breakfast? Yes, please!
Food52  

Crawfish Bread
This bread has been a New Orleans Jazz Fest favorite for decades. Get the history of the bread at bite and booze. It looks good, right? It might be even better when served with the following dip.....
Louisiana Travel 

Hot Crawfish Dip
If it is February, they are eating crawfish in New Orleans. Sounds much like a warm crab dip. That's a good thing.
My Recipes  

Crème Brûlée
This traditional French dish has been adopted by the people of New Orleans for many years. There are flavored versions, but Emeril chooses to serve up a classic. Sur La Table has a selection of Torches.
Emeril Lagasse

Cajun Eggs Benedict
I just want to sit down to brunch in the French Quarter and enjoy a beer and this egg dish! It's put together between two chive and cheddar cheese biscuits (recipe included). Andouille sausages are substituted for the Canadian Bacon, which even sound better. A must try.
Life As A Strawberry

Bananas Foster

One of the best desserts ever! This recipe was created in 1951 at the legendary Brennan's restaurant. This boozy, buttery concoction is now a dessert classic.

Saveur  

The Sounds Of New Orleans
And finally, if you are having a party or even going to one, you need Harry Connick Jr's. album "Oh My Nola." It is dedicated to his hometown and the horrors it experienced since Hurricane Katrina. Get in the Mardi Gras mood and have a listen at i-Tunes.

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Oscar Party Provisions

Acrylic: The Clearly Chic Spring Decor Trend

( Via: Elle Decor )

Spring is the time to lighten up at home. Clearly chic acrylic and lucite furnishings are the perfect way to do that. According to Elle Decor, Pinterest searches for acrylic decor have increased by 50%. That's one stylish statistic! I happen to have two 30 year old lucite lamps with string shades in a storage locker. It's high time I put them back in the mix of things! Besides fabulous form, see thru furnishings are a strategic choice for small spaces. This edit features a clear collection for every budget.

Jonathan Adler Bond Desk
The perfect blend of light and dark. The burled wood top blended with Lucite sides is a handsome look for any home.
Casa   

Storage Shelves
Float your boat or other possessions up on the wall. A great storage solution when one is out of floor real estate. 
CB2

Jonathan Adler Jacques Acrylic Mirror

A mod mirror that mixes up campaigne and nautical styles.  The touch of brass adds glam.

Neiman Marcus 

Lucite and Brass Console Table
In your choice of finish from one of my favorite Etsy shops. Perfect in a bath or as a side table in any room.
Lux Hold Ups at Etsy

Vietri Aladdin Horn Flatware
What looks like haute horn, actually has the strength of high-grade acrylic and 18/10 stainless steel. So stunning and sophisticated!
Alchemy Fine Home  

Clear Acrylic and Copper Tray Table
Featuring another trend for Spring 2017, copper, this terrific tray is a perfect extra table for any room. Think bed side tables, a small bar cart, two in front of the sofa and so many more uses.
Overstock 

Acrylic Trays

I have always wanted trays like this. They fit in perfectly Wherever you use them. Fabulous on a bathroom vanity.
West Elm 

Bernhardt Acrylic King Bed
From one of the oldest and largest family-owned and operated marketers of fine furniture. I love the drama that this acrylic and brass bed creates!
Neiman Marcus

Noel Floor Lamp
The details of this fab floor lamp bring a unique mix of materials to a decor. Now on sale at
One Kings Lane 

Interlude Dyer Acrylic Barstool

How do I love these? Let me count the legs. Handcrafted and a hot look for a kitchen or bathroom counter. Available in two sizes. A style solution for a small kitchen.

Neiman Marcus 

Nursery Works Vetro Crib
If I had it to do all over again, this would be in my baby's nursery! If you are looking for unique and contemporary, this is a clear choice. Just think of all of the peek-a-boo time this crib will provide! Very special.
Giggle

Carlin Sheepskin Lucite Chair
I am a bit obsessed with this fluffy chic chair. Imagine it in a dressing room, or as an accent chair in the living room.
Lulu & Georgia

Oscarine Lucite Bar Cart
This is the definition of bar cart chic! It's super glam and exclusive to 
Anthropologie 

Medio Pretty Kennel
I swear you can find anything on Etsy! Is this not the best kennel you ever saw? It's certainly perfect for any luxe home and pampered pet!
Pretty Kennels




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