Happy Mother’s Day to my sweet Momma, the most beautiful woman I know!
Thank you for all the love, patients and encouragement you have showered me with.
I love you dearly!
Photo: My sweet Mom took this gorgeous photo of Indian Blankets near Willow City, Texas. It miss this time of year in Texas when all the wild flowers are in bloom.
Beauty: When I read Josie Maran had released a self tanner that could be used in the shower it was a total “what the? what?” moment. In my mind, self tanner + shower = total disaster. And after reading a “what I learned” review, I might be right. Read the original article here and follow-up here.
Shoes & Accessories: These tribal sandals, tribal leopard loafers, and this tribal statement necklace all from SoleSociety for $49.95 each.
Clothing: Isn’t this jeweled peplum adorable?
Blog: The English Room has a fab post featuring Met Ball 2013 Dress to Room Pairings.
Have a beautiful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!
Sweetly,
Bea
Woo hoo! It’s Cinco De Mayo but I don’t have any tequila in the house. Instead of running out to buy some I used what I had to create a refreshing margarita-esque concoction.
Here’s what you will need:
Combine vodka, sugar and cilantro in a tall glass. Add ice cubes and fill the glass with club soda. Shake or stir and transfer to two chilled glasses.
And finally enjoy! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Total arm candy!
I’m seriously obsessed, like stalker obsessed with this 2Jours Studded Neoprene Tote by Fendi. This lushious red bag is covered in perfectly alligned studs which resemble strips of red dots. Yummy!
Available at the BG for $3590.
Speaking of the BG, have you seen the trailer for Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf? Can’t wait to see this doc. It will be in theatres on May 3!
I fell in love with these turquoise sunnies by Kate Spade. They are adorable, retro and face flattering. I NEED these for my trip to Italy this summer! Available in turquoise (shown above, red and glamorous gold sparkle.
Available at Kate Spade New York for $138
Aren’t these Del Toro Prince Albert bubblegum pink loafers too much? Luxe + adorable! If only these were work appropriate.
Preorder these now at Moda Operandi for $340.
Yesterday, I was these Tom Ford Anastasia sunglasses in the window of an eye glass store and I haven’t stopped thinking about them. Every day I walk by this store but have never even given their lenses a second glance. I was so captivated by these tangerine orange dreams that spent a full minute (a very long time by NYC standards) taking them in.
Available at Nordstrom for $360.
Although my Boo and I have lived together for several years, we haven’t put a lot of effort into decorating or “nesting.” Our apartment is simply a mishmash of his and her stuff. My sea shells and books on Buddhism don’t quite gel with his sports memorabilia and movie poster collection. This year, my goal is to create a beautiful home starting with the bedroom.
I’ve found some wonderful additions by shopping daily flash sales. Here are a few of the sites I visit consistently:
HauteLook: HauteLook offers daily private sales on top fashion and lifestyle brands at amazing savings. Each day at 8 AM Pacific, shop new sale events featuring the best names in women’s and men’s fashion and accessories, beauty, kids’ apparel and toys, and home décor at up to 75% off.
ideeli: ideeli is a members-only retail site offering a curated selection of apparel, accessories, shoes, and home and travel items. Each sale starts at noon EST and lasts 40 hours. I’ve found some great finds on this site including jewelry, shoes, workout wear, travel guides and most recently a deeply discounted W Hotel mattress!
Joss and Main: Joss & Main is a premier members-only site that offers carefully curated events – usually lasting just 3 days – showcase distinctive housewares, furniture, decor accents and more for prices up to 70% off retail. J&M is my new favorite site. Check out my LOVES page to see the items I’ve recently purchased.
MYHABIT: MYHABIT is a private fashion and home sale site offering up to 60% off hand-picked selections from designer and boutique brands. Founded by Amazon.com, MYHABIT offers free shipping on U.S. orders.
One Kings Lane: One Kings Lane offers designer furniture, decor, art, gifts and even vintage items for up to 70% off. When you sign up you will receive a $15 credit for your first purchase. I find this shop inspiring and fun to shop. I’ve bought several items from this site including prints and an adorable elephant tea pot.
What sites do you shop? I’d love a few recommendations.
Anastasia $21/Pur Minerals $17/Nyx $10/Pixi $17/Tarte $19/Benefit $20/Benefit $20
Do you want your eyes to look bigger, brighter and well rested? Yes, please!
The solution is simple. Line your lower eyelids with a nude liner. Avoid white liners which are too harsh for most skin tones. I love Anastasia’s matte pink multi-tasker, Eye Lights which can also but used as a highlighter and eyeshadow primer.
See how style icons Marlene Dietrich and Carole Lombard used this trick to make their sultry eyes pop.
As I child, I remember begging my Mom to make donuts, “Will you please make homemade donuts? Pleaaaassssseeee!”
Biscuit donuts were a real treat growing up in the South. But I honestly haven’t had any in 20+ years until a few weeks ago. We had a can of biscuit that had been sitting in our fridge for months…maybe since Thanksgiving…that we needed to eat. That’s when I remembered how much I loved my Momma’s homemade donuts!
Here’s what you will need:
1 Can of Biscuits – I used Pillsbury Grands!
1/2 Tablespoon Softened Butter
3 Tablespoons of Soy Creamer or Milk – I prefer soy.
2 Cups Powdered Sugar
Approximately 2 Cups of Vegetable Oil
Brown Paper Bag
Chop Sticks
Glaze:
Stir together 3 tablespoons of soy creamer, 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 tablespoon softened butter.
The mixture will be thick with tiny lumps of butter. Don’t worry those will melt nicely over the warm donuts! Set aside.
Donuts:
Open the can of biscuits. On a cutting board press out the centers of the biscuits using a bottle cap. The lid to your vegetable oil should work just fine.
I used my Momma’s childhood donut cutter.
Heat oil over medium high heat to approximately 365 degrees. I like to use a small piece of dough to make sure my oil is hot enough before dropping in the donut.
Place donuts in the oil and let them cook for approximately 30 seconds. They will be ready to flip when you see the golden brown color start to creep up the sides.
Using chop sticks, flip over each donut and wait another 30 seconds.
Remove donuts from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the excess oil.
Once you have cooked all of the donuts, place the holes in the hot oil. The fun thing about cooking the holes is they will flip themselves over!
When the donuts are golden brown, remove from the oil and place on the plate.
Everyone was patiently waiting for their donut.
Let the holes cool for 2 minutes. Place in a brown paper bag and add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Close up the top of the bag and shake vigorously – you want to make sure every hole is covered in sugar! Take a peak in. If you want to add a second coating of sugar add another 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the bag and shake.
The donuts have now cooled for several minutes. Using your hands (I haven’t figured out a less messy way to do this), dip one side of each of the donuts into the glaze and return to the plate – unless you feel compelled to eat one immediately!
These warm fluffy donuts are heavenly!
Enjoy!
