The Simple, Sweet, & Silly Sophisticate

Let Them Eat Cake!

2010-10-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

The past 4 weeks I have been taking a baking class with some friends (Including Miss Carol). Last night was our last class and the theme was cakes! This class alone was pretty much the reason I signed up in the first place. I LOVE cake and wanted to learn the tricks to a great buttercream and some basic scratch cake recipes. My lovely partner Meghan and I decided to make a Strawberry Cream Cake. There were a lot of steps involved, but it was surprisingly easy! It was by far the best item we made out of all the classes we went to! The most fabulous part was the Whipped Cream frosting with Mascarpone Cheese! The Mascarpone completely changed what would have been just a boring whipped cream and made it amazing! I would put that frosting on anything!

Strawberry Cream Cake

If using a cake pan, you will need one with straight sides that are at least 2 inches high; or use a springform pan.

Cake
1 ¼ cups cake flour (5 ounces)
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 cup sugar (7 ounces)
5 large eggs (2 whole and 3 separated), room temperature Pinch salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted and cooled slightly
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling

2 Lbs Strawberries - Washed, Dried, and Stemmed
4-6 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Tablespoons Kirsch (Cherry Brandy)

Whipped Cream
8 ounces Mascarpone Cheese , room temperature
½ cup sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon table salt
2 cups heavy cream

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325°. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and all but 3 tablespoons sugar in mixing bowl. Whisk in 2 whole eggs and 3 yolks (reserving whites), butter, water, and vanilla; whisk until smooth.

In bowl of standing mixer, with the whisk, beat remaining 3 egg whites at medium speed until frothy, 1 to 2 minutes. With machine running, add remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, increase speed to medium-high, and beat until soft peaks form, 60 to 90 seconds. Stir one-third of whites into batter to lighten; add remaining whites and gently fold in until no white streaks remain. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto greased wire rack; peel off parchment. Invert cake again; cool completely, about 2 hours.

Halve 24 of best-looking berries and reserve. Quarter remaining berries; toss with 4 to 6 tablespoons sugar (depending on sweetness) in medium bowl and let sit 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Strain juices from berries and reserve (you should have about 1/2 cup). In food processor, give macerated berries five 1-second pulses (about 1 1/2 cups).

In small saucepan over medium-high heat, simmer reserved juices and Kirsch until syrupy and reduced to about 3 table-spoons, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour reduced syrup over macerated berries, add pinch of salt, and toss to combine. Set aside until cake is cooled.

When cake has cooled, place cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and salt in bowl of standing mixer. Whisk at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down bowl with rubber spatula as needed. Reduce speed to low and add heavy cream in steady stream; when almost fully combined, increase speed to medium-high and beat until mixture holds stiff peaks, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes more, scraping bowl as needed (you should have about 4 1/2 cups).

ASSEMBLE THE CAKE: Using large serrated knife, slice cake into three even layers. Place bottom layer on cardboard round or cake plate and arrange ring of 20 strawberry halves, cut sides down and stem ends facing out, around perimeter of cake layer. Pour one half of pureed berry mixture (about 3/4 cup) in center, then spread to cover any exposed cake. Gently spread about one-third of whipped cream (about 1 1/2 cups) over berry layer, leaving 1/2-inch border from edge. Place middle cake layer on top and press down gently (whipped cream layer should become flush with cake edge). Repeat with 20 additional strawberry halves, remaining berry mixture, and half of remaining whipped cream; gently press last cake layer on top. Spread remaining whipped cream over top; decorate with remaining cut strawberries. Serve, or chill for up to 4 hours.

(Miss Carol's Cake is the Chocolate One, SO Yummy!)

A Million Mushrooms

2010-10-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we celebrated my friend Meghan's 27th Birthday with a crazy fun party! We started with an Italian dinner & drinks and then headed out to the bars. As a co-hostess, I had to come equipped with some appetizers, so I went straight to the blogs for some inspiration.

I have been dying to try Pioneer Woman's Stuffed Mushrooms and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I decided to double the recipe because there were going to be about 20 people. Yikes, that turned out to be A LOT of mushrooms!

After all was said and done, the mushrooms were delicious, but more time consuming than I anticipated (quite a few steps). So, if you have the time and want to try a yummy app, then I highly suggest these! If you are smarter than me, you can make them the day before and stick them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. They would be a great addition to any upcoming holiday parties!

Cooking Away!

June in October

2010-10-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

As a yearly ritual, 2 of my girlfriends (Miss Carol being one of them) and I do Birthday dinners at a restaurant we have never been to. With our friend Meghan's Birthday tomorrow, we decided to try out June, which opened this past Spring and had great reviews. June did not disappoint (honestly, when am I ever disappointed with food?), we had a fantastic celebratory meal! Carol and I went with their burger that just sounded amazing on the menu and it was delicious! They even make their own ketchup using beets. Pretty interesting! The Birthday girl had the lamb neck, which I will admit I was a little skeptical of, but I tried a piece and its was tender, flavorful and yummy. After stuffing ourselves, we of course went for dessert, which was perhaps the best part of the meal. We ordered the Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding. It was like nothing I have ever had and really didn't even seem like bread pudding, more like a really moist and warm cake. Even Carol liked it and she doesn't eat bread pudding! If you are in the Seattle area, I highly suggest trying June, even if it's just for the dessert!

Tonight I am off to my baking class. Perhaps they will teach us the secrets to bread pudding that is to die for?

images: JuneSeattle.com, yelp.com

Sometimes it's Good to be Crabby

2010-10-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Being from the Pacific NW, I am a little biased when it comes to crab. Dungeness Crab beats out all other types in my opinion. This weekend my family decided to go to the Port Angeles Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival. After a ferry ride and what seemed like hours of driving (although I did get some good reading time in), we somehow escaped the rainy Seattle weather and made it to the nice and dry Port Angeles. Once we arrived, we encountered the typical tents selling random things (think crab hats, which some in our party couldn't resist buying) and passing out information, but we went straight to the one tent that lured us from 3 hours away. The FOOD tent. You could have crab any way possible and we sampled a good portion of the options. Between the five of us, we had a few plates of crab cakes, a couple bowls of crab bisque, crab rolls, whole Dungeness crab, and crab fried rice (we later topped it all off with some crepes). My absolute favorite was the crab fried rice, delicious!

In typical fashion, I didn't take any pictures, but it was as good as it sounds. If you are in the Seattle area, I would totally suggest making the trip out next year. Just be prepared for a long, but scenic drive to get there.

image: crabfestival.org

Round 2

2010-10-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hello My Blogger Friends,

I am sure you aren't even here anymore considering I left this blog in the dust almost a year ago (wow time flies). I didn't blog for very long before I was overwhelmed with the idea and the self-induced pressure to think of posts everyday, so I just stopped. Although, I have been keeping up and enjoying all of the blogs that I previously read, commented on, and followed. I came to the conclusion that I enjoyed reading other blogs more than writing my own.

A couple of weeks ago I had an epiphany that I really actually missed writing and MAYBE I should just give it another go and do it on my own terms.

SO, here I am. Maybe I will make some blog friends again. Maybe my content will be a little different (perhaps a little more cooking?). Maybe I won't blog everyday. We shall see.

I don't even remember how to setup a post....yikes, back to square one!

image: photobucket.com

Long Lost Blog

2009-12-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

Ever since I returned from vacation I have been completely overwhelmed with work and the holiday season that my poor little blog has suffered. Sorry everyone! I am slowly getting through my reader and catching up with everyone. This time of year gets so crazy!

Anyway, I had a lovely and relaxing vacation with my fam! So wonderful in fact, I was so busy doing nothing that I barely took any pictures! I have not learned my lesson, I always come back wishing I had been a better photographer. And maybe taking pictures with some people in them??? I suck! There is a weak showing below, but at least you can see the beautiful ocean and pool, which is what I was looking at 90% of my vacation. We are definitely pool and sun people....not exactly the sightseeing type (we tried that one day and it was....interesting). So that is what we did! Sun, swim, FOOD, books and Yahtzee = 7 days well spent!

Now I am back in the swing of things, prepping for Christmas. I am almost done with my shopping, have already overdosed on Xmas cookies and am listening to Christmas carols nonstop.....ohhh I love the holidays!

A Mahalo-Giving

2009-11-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

An early Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I am headed down to my parents house tonight to prepare for the gluttony that will take place tomorrow. On Friday morning I am headed to Hawaii for a week with the fam! YAY!!! (Nothing like throwing on a bathing suit when you spent the previous day stuffing yourself!) I will be kicking back, soaking up some sun, drinking Mai Tais, and hanging on the beach....thinking of you all, of course! No blogging on vacation, but I will catch up with everyone when I get back!

ALOHA!

Images/ ontheroadin, uwplatt

A Treasure Trove

2009-11-24T15:04:00.000-08:00

When I purchase makeup, I always tend to buy palettes. I love them, especially when they are good quality, have a ton of options AND are a good deal. My friend Meghan got this Tarte Treasure Chest for her birthday and when I saw it in person (and used it) I was amazed! So many colors (it has great neutral/everyday colors and some crazy/funky ones) for eyes, lips, and cheeks and for only $52! Plus Tarte makeup is free of a lot of the bad crap that most makeup contains, like parabens, petro-chemicals, phthalates, etc. (There is a list online if you want to see all of them. No, I don't know what any of them are....but it sounds pretty bad.) Anyway, it's a great gift idea for someone.....that someone perhaps being me......mom? dad? sisters? I know you all read this.

image/ product-girl

A New Spin on Some Old Favorites

2009-11-23T14:15:00.001-08:00

I have been on the hunt for a sweet holiday treat, without going the cookie route. I opened up my new issue of Cooking Light and found this recipe for Caramel Popcorn Brittle. I love peanut brittle and I love popcorn, so this is an easy choice! Plus you can really add in whatever you want. When I attempt this, I might add in some pretzels and/or mini chocolate chips.....cause adding chocolate is never a bad idea. That may ruin the whole "light" idea, but it's the holidays, so who cares.

On another chocolate note, I went to a food and wine event on Saturday night and at the Picazo717 booth they served their Chocolate & Spanish Blue Cheese Truffles. Chocolate....good, blue cheese....good, Chocolate & Blue Cheese Truffles....delicious! They had a really bizarre flavor, but I went back for more! Definitely an interesting new take on chocolate!

image/ chocolatique

It's Embarrassing....But I'm Still Asking

2009-11-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

I just HAD to do a teeny tiny post about how excited I am for New Moon! I can't wait to see it! For those of you that made the midnight showing, what did you think? I am dying to know!

image/honeyhype

A Diary for Dummies

2009-11-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

I have always thought it would be neat if I kept a journal throughout my young adult life. I have tried a couple of times, but I always get bored after a few weeks and forget about it. While browsing through the home section of Modcloth.com the other day I came across this One Line a Day Journal. It's pretty self explanatory, but all you have to write is one sentence per day, so it's like a mini journal. PLUS it packs in 5 years worth of one liners, so you don't have to worry about filling up a bunch of notebooks! Even I think I can handle that.

image/ modcloth

Wishful Wednesday

2009-11-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Another Wishful Wednesday from Kelsey's blog The Seattle Smith's!

'I wish' .... my life was a movie,

and I would want it to be.....

A ROMANTIC COMEDY!

I am a sucker for all romantic comedies, not matter how cheesy or predictable. They always put me in a good mood. I especially like those that feature weddings.....because I am crazy about them. (Think Father of the Bride, which happens to be one of my all time favorites!)

image/ musicandmoviemart.com

Round 2

2009-11-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

I don't write a whole lot about my personal life, so perhaps this will shed a little light on the secret life of Brynn.

The second award was passed to me by Selma @ Crazy Little World of Mine. Thanks again Selma!

The directions are to post the award on my site, write 10 interesting things about myself and then pass it on to 10 other bloggers. This actually stresses me out a little. I am not that interesting!

But, I'll do what I can......

1) I am a middle child, with one younger sister and one older. Middle children out there, you know who you are, I know you feel my pain.

2) Hot Dogs are my all time favorite food. I ask for them every year on my birthday. What's weird is that I am not really a big meat eater. Put prime rib in front of me and I am not all that impressed. Put a hot dog in front of me and I will love you forever. Side note: Along with hot dogs, I tend to gravitate towards all over processed and preservative filled foods. Bring on the twinkies, easy cheese, funions, pepperoni sticks.......Mmmmmm

3) I have a really ridiculous wedding obsession that I am SURE is jinxing my love life. (At least I am telling myself that, so I don't start thinking I have a personal problem.) But really, I have a million wedding magazines and books in my apartment. I am told that I will have to hide this if a guy comes over....or it will seriously scare them.

4) I went to Catholic school from preschool through college. That's about 19 years people, half of which was spent in plaid polyester........diamonds in my halo.

5)I hate asparagus and peas....they are just gross. If something makes your urine smell that bad, then it shouldn't be consumed.

6) If I could have any occupation, I would either own a bakery or be a set designer for movies.

7) I am messy as hell and I get reminded of it constantly. I just don't feel the need to be tidy at this point in my life. Reminder: Messy does NOT mean dirty. I am not dirty or gross, I am messy (example: clean clothes all over my room).

8) I went to college in Montana. That state is like another planet....but mostly in good ways.

9) I LOVE Euro pop music. They just don't make stuff like that over here.

10) I was unemployed from January to June of this year.....and I secretly miss it, a little. (Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I have a job.) I spent 6 months hanging out with friends and doing awesome stuff everyday. Don't let anyone tell you unemployment doesn't have any perks. Sleeping in till 11.......don't mind if I do!

Alright, that's as good as it gets! I pass this along to these lovely ladies:

Jenni@ She Can't Decide

Ams @ Surviving Long Distance Love

Savvy Gal @ Savvy Mode

The New Black @ The New Black

The Southern Hostess @ The SoHo

The Socialite @ Vanessa's Runway

Sassy Chica @ Sassy Chica

New England Girl @ New England Girl

Llama @ Llama Tales

BonBon Rose @ BonBon Rose

You Shouldn't Have

2009-11-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

Alright I signed onto my gmail this morning to find that i received 2 blog awards! I am a first timer, so I am A) totally jazzed and B) not sure how this is done. I am going to do my best! THANK YOU to Selma @ Crazy Little World of Mine and Ams @ Surviving Long Distance Love for these awards! You ladies are so sweet and I love reading both of your blogs everyday! I appreciate your comments, especially being new to the blogging world. As for everyone else, catch up with these ladies, you won't be sorry!

(I am going to do these in separate posts, otherwise I will get too confused)

OK, this first one is from Ams:

Rules-
1) You can only use one word.
2) Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers.
3) Alert them that you have given them this award!
4) Have Fun!

The Survey
1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your hair? Blonde
3. Your mother? Mary J
4. Your father? Jimmy K
5. Your favorite food? Hot Dogs
6. Your dream last night? Alligators
7. Your favorite drink? Milk
8. Your dream/goal? Bora Bora
9. What room are you in? Office
10. Your hobby? Eating
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive
13. Where were you last night? Tacoma
14. Something that you aren’t? Quiet
15. Muffins? Pumpkin
16. Wish list item? Raise
17. Where did you grow up? Tacoma
18. Last thing you did? Lunch
19. What are you wearing? Coat
20. Your TV? Dying
21. Your pets? Puppies
22. Friends? Stellar
23. Your life? Fortunate
24. Your mood? Content
25. Missing someone? Gchat
26. Vehicle? Kitten
27. Something you’re not wearing? Ring
28. Your favorite store? J. Crew
29. Your favorite color? Yellow
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Movie
32. Your best friend? Megnog
33. One place that I go to over and over? Tacoma
34. One person who e-mails me regularly? Sisters
35. Favorite place to eat? Mom&Dad's

OK, now I pass this along to these lovely ladies. Go check out their blogs too!

Carol @ Everyday Delights
Ivy @ Nice Intentions

Annie @ Chapters Of Our Life
Selma @ Crazy Little World of Mine
Kelsey@ The Seattle Smiths
Jax@ The Roaring Twenties

I will be posting Selma's soon!

Navy Done Right

2009-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

Ummm I'm sorry.....when did Old Navy get a shipment of awesome in? I was browsing online today and found that they had some really cute and simple pieces. I am going to have to drop by this weekend and see some of this in person. Sometimes I am just pleasantly surprised!

Have a good weekend!!!!

images/ oldnavy.com

Tuscan Lemon Chicken

2009-11-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

Yummmm my friend Meghan had me over for a delicious feast last night! She made Ina's Tuscan Lemon Chicken and it was incredibly yummy! Again, you just can't go wrong when you make an Ina recipe. Instead of grilling the chicken, she roasted it and added some potatoes and onions. It turned out so juicy and flavorful. It was her first time roasting a whole chicken and it was done to perfection. Great job! If you are looking for a simple and tasty chicken recipe, try this one!

image/ sunset

The Way We Get By

2009-11-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

I saw this on one of my very favorite wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty, and I just had to share. The award winning documentary "The Way We Get By" is about three senior citizens who gather daily at a Maine airport as troop greeters. Go here for the film's full synopsis, trailer, etc.

Putting all political views on the war aside, this looks like an amazing story, not only about what these people are doing, but their personal lives as well. The trailer itself had me totally choked up. AND lucky us, it just so happens that the film is nationally broadcasting on PBS tonight at 9PM! Check it out!

image/ thewaywegetbymovie.com

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2009-11-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

I swear it has been raining in Seattle for over a week straight. I have always been one to like the gloomy, stormy fall days, but it's just so gray. For being perhaps the rainiest state in the country, no one around here carries an umbrella, myself included. I don't even know if I own one. Why is that? It would be nice if we could see some beautiful umbrellas out there to break up the dismal backdrop. Maybe I should invest in a pretty one like these.

images/ umbrellas.net, brolliesgalore, flickr

Barbie Has It All......

2009-11-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love the original Barbie and her iconic black and white swimsuit? I am surprised I have never seen someone replicate this before. Now you can look just like Barbie! (Except for that whole unrealistic body proportion issue.) I love it and want one!

images/ etsy, mediabistro

Flower Power

2009-11-05T13:08:00.001-08:00

I saw these a long time ago and have always thought it was a neat concept. They are wild hibiscus flowers packed in syrup that you can use in food/drinks (they are safe and edible of course). I think it looks just lovely in a glass of champagne. You can buy them online here.

image/ porterfoodswholesale

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

2009-11-02T14:59:00.001-08:00

I have never been a pecan pie fan. No one makes it at my house and come to think of it, I don't know anyone that makes it period. I have always considered it a southern thing that people just don't do well in the Northwest. Although, a couple of years ago I was at a lunch catered by Lisa Dupar (a caterer in Seattle, well known for her amazing food) and part of the dessert spread included these mini chocolate pecan pies. I know, not a TRUE pecan pie, but you have to start somewhere. Anyway, these little pies were just about the most amazing thing I've ever had and to this day I haven't forgotten about how yummy they were.

Flash forward to this weekend, when my sister announced she was going to make a pecan pie for Thanksgiving. Groan........gross. BUT then I remembered the delicious chocolate one I had a while back and the search was on for a similar recipe. I was looking all over the place and found some that looked similar, so I was content in my findings. Just when I was about to give up on google I tried again and found the EXACT recipe! I cannot explain the excitement that ensued! Because this is so delicious, I must share with everyone. The center is full of gooey, chocolaty deliciousness and would be a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving feast! Find the recipe here for Lisa Dupar's Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.

image/ gourmet

This Is It.....No, It Really Is

2009-11-02T13:48:00.001-08:00

So when this Michael Jackson movie came out, I really had no desire to see it. Don't get me wrong, I love MJ, but I was just over all of it and figured this was just another way for people to make money off of him. Well, my friend Meghan asked if I wanted to go on Friday. I whined a little and suggested we see something else, but eventually surrendered. She used the famous line of "Oprah liked it," so I went with it, because Oprah hardly ever fails me.

I am happy to admit that it was fantastic! The movie was basically what his concert would have been if it had happened. And let me tell you, it would have been epic. It's not really about his life or anything, it was just what people would want to see, MJ preforming his best songs. No matter what anyone says, the man could sing AND dance just like he did 25 years ago. AMAZING!

If you love MJ, you should definitely go see it.

Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween! Mine was great and my mom had the house looking awesome as usual! So fun to see all the little kids dressed up!

image/miamiherald

What's Your Favorite Halloween Treat?

2009-10-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Pretty much my FAVORITE candy of all time is Laffy Taffy. It's rare to get it while trick or treating, but my mom gets the Laffy Taffy sticks to give out every year! I have already had plenty this Halloween season, but I can't wait to go home this weekend and stuff my face with some more chewy deliciousness! Strawberry and grape flavored please!

Least Favorite? CANDY CORN (and the candy corn pumpkins)! I'm sorry, but it's just gross! A totally disappointing treat.

Have a great Halloween everyone!

image/Dylan's Candy Bar

The Beauty Edition

2009-10-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

OK, I have a mass of info from my beauty consultation the other night, so I will probably just spout stuff out in a crazy random order. I apologize in advance. I would put pics with all of these, but I am pretty lazy, so it's not going to happen. Disclaimer, these are just his opinions....feel free to disagree. There are things that I love and will never give up...I know how we get attached to our beauty products. As a general note for the points below, he said that when it comes to skin care and your base makeup (meaning foundation, concealer, etc.) you should be more particular about what you buy. When it comes to color (such as blush, lips, eyeshadow, etc.), use what you want and what works for you. Here it goes.

Best Foundation out there, hands down, is Armani. He also is a big fan of their concealer.

If you are going to go with a drugstore brand, Loreal is best, because it's made by Lancome and Oil of Olay has great skincare products too.

Mac was made for TV/Stage/Movies and drag queens, it's too cakey and thick for everyday wear. (Reminder: He is talking about their foundations and powders. Their colors are pretty wild, but if that is the look you are going for, so be it.)

Girls our age (my sisters and I range from the 22 to almost 30 mark) should only use foundation and concealer as their base in the morning (or whenever you put makeup on during the day)....no powder. Your face loses dimension and looks flat when you put powder on. Save powder application for later in the day if you are oily (like me!) and need to touch up.

If you use bronzer, use a sheer, brown toned one and skip the orangey/red tones. Bobbi Brown's 'Natural' and Armani's 'Sheer #1' are great colors. Apply bronzer using the '3 rule', start at the temples and do and 3 figure down your face, hitting the hollows of your cheeks and under your jaw line.

Apply bronzer and blush with a big fluffy brush, using the side of it. It disperses the color softly.

If you aren't using a make up removing cleanser (it will specifically state it on the bottle) then you aren't getting your makeup completely off. Use a makeup removing cloth or baby wipe (make sure it's alcohol free!) to get make up off, then cleanse.

Speaking of alcohol, do not use ANY product that contains it on your face! A lot of toners have it as an ingredient and it's terrible for your skin. This also goes for Salicylic acid....just say no.

For everyday eyeliner, instead of putting a line across your top lid, lift the lid and apply liner in between lashes from underneath (I know this doesn't translate well without a step by step). This will make eyes look more natural and the eyeliner will actually be doing its job...which is making your lashes look longer.

Your eyebrows are sisters, not twins. They aren't going to look exactly the same, but they should look related.....think about it.

If you have oily skin (like me) always use oil free products. Turns out I am using a Bobbi Brown foundation for people with dry skin....thanks sales person. Loreal and Oil of Olay have great, cheap, oil free moisturizers.

On that note....ALWAYS moisturize! Preferably with a lotion containing SPF. This goes for day AND night ladies, and throw in some eye cream while you're at it....you will thank him later. My sister was using a Bobbi Brown eye cream and she told Kris that it burned when she put it on....she thought this meant it was working (oh Megan you bust me up).....he looked at her like she was certifiable. If it stings, DON'T use it.

If you have oily skin, don't use creamy cleansers.

Exfoliate no more than twice a month.

If you are looking into using a higher end, department store skin care line, there are 2 that stand out. Chanel has some of the best dermatologists in the world and Trish McEvoy's husband is a dermatologist, enough said.

Don't use Clinique.....ever. (I know, I am a fan of the Dramatically Diff. Moisturizer, but I found out one of the main ingredients is mineral oil. Mineral oil + oily face = MESS. Bye bye DDM)

Along with Clinique, don't use Bare Minerals....ever. Your putting rock dust on your face and it's going to stretch out your pores like crazy. Note: Mineral makeup = GOOD, but Bare Minerals = Bad.

If you can afford it, invest in good, natural hair, brushes. They are better and can last forever. Treat natural brushes like your own hair. Shampoo them (or you can use a mild face wash) every 2 weeks AND condition once a month. Wash foundation brushes every week.

NEVER, EVER, EVER use a sponge for foundation. It's a breeding ground for bacteria, that you are putting back on your face. Use a foundation brush. You can use a sponge for powder, but you have to wash those every week too.

Primers are a good thing. They help your makeup stay on longer and prep your face.

Nars' Mud Mask made with Dead Sea mud is god sent. It will bring all of the impurities to the surface.

Armani's natural bristle foundation brush is amazing and if you buy one, it will last your entire life.

A highlighter can be your best friend (I saw it an action and am a believer). YSL's Touche Eclat highlighter is amazing. Use it on top of cheekbones, under eyes, under your brows, and draw a line down the center of your face and blend outward to give yourself a 'spotlight' look.

Start with foundation in the center of your face and blend outward.

When applying eyeshadow, your eyelids will have different textures (could be due to sun exposure among other things). When Kris was doing my eyes, my left eye took color better than my right. Compensate, by applying more to the right or less to the left...you get it.

OK, lets end with an interesting one. This is going to be hard to explain and you have to be VERY careful, but I saw it in action and it was pretty amazing. If you have dark under eye circles, take a blue/red lipstick and it MUST be a blue/red, not orangey or pink red. Put a little bit on your finger and pat it under your eyes in the dark spots. VERY lightly people, so there is just a little pink. Then put your concealer over the lipstick. The red/blue tone neutralizes the dark colors and it covers it beautifully. Again, pretty amazing. Make sure to use a lipstick that won't clog your pores (I think he said Armani's don't) and USE CAUTION...I can only imagine horrible red eyes if this isn't done right!

Wow, that was long. Again, these are only opinions, don't be offended. Hopefully you all found something in there that was helpful or new!

image/photobucket

My Mug Needs Serious Help

2009-10-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a friend (of a friend), who is a makeup artist, come over for dinner and a makeover/watch and learn session with my sisters. He has worked for a bunch of different high end lines and knows a TON about makeup, so I was bracing myself for a potential slap on the hand when it came to my beauty regime. Well I was right, everything I thought I knew about makeup went out the window in about 5 minutes! I have been using so many things that I don't even need and learned so much about my skin and what is best for it. Only problem is that now I want all new stuff! He was so nice and patient with me, as I rattled off a thousand questions! If anyone is looking for a makeup artist for events, weddings, etc., I highly recommend! Tomorrow I will share some of his helpful tips and list some products he suggests. Thanks again Kris!!!

On an annoying note, I just spent the last half hour trying to clean the tomato soup from my keyboard that I spilled all over it! Hope I never have to use F1 through F4 again, cause I am pretty sure they are goners. Any suggestions on how to clean it?

image/ flickr

You Da Man Walt

2009-10-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well, Disneyland was absolutely magical, as expected! No matter how many times I go there, I am blown away by how well they execute every single detail. The imagination it took to build that place is seriously amazing. We were in California for exactly 48 hours and 24 were spent at Disneyland/California Adventures. By the end I was deliriously tired, my feet were killing me, and I had probably gained 10 pounds from all the food, but we had SUCH a fantastic time! It was a beautiful and sunny 80 degrees both days and we went on every ride (some twice) except for 2 (we only skipped them because they were boring ones) and saw just about every show possible. We were just as excited and giddy as all the 6 year-olds there, literally running through the park with excitement! Disney was decked out in Halloween decor everywhere and it looked awesome! It wasn't too crowded either, on the first day we walked right up to splash mountain with NO LINE! Anyway, I could go on forever....it was just a perfect way to spend the weekend and such a fun group to be with! I can't wait to go back again!

Unfortunately my pictures aren't great, my friend Katy took the better ones. But here are a few.

Princess hats for everyone!

Plan of attack

The entrance dressed up for Halloween

Teacups!

The Disneyland band

Meghan & Scott dancing to the band

What a good sport. I made him try on everything!

This is for you Carol!

Disneyland, it's been real. See you next time!

Halloween Babies Are Simply Adorable

2009-10-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Halloween is seeing babies in costumes. They are always ridiculously cute! I want one just so I can dress them up!

Got back from our insanely fun Disneyland trip at midnight last night and up for yoga at 5:30am.....I am barely surviving. Hopefully tomorrow I will have some pics to put up! Happy Monday!

image/ babydon

What have I done....

2009-10-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

I broke down today....it's bad. I hate the person I have become because I have done what I chastise people for year after year. When I turned on my Pandora at work today, I couldn't help myself. I made a new station and turned my speakers down really low so no one could hear....so no one could hear......my beloved Christmas station. I know! Holiday music is certainly NOT acceptable before Halloween and I usually have a problem with it even before Thanksgiving. It pains me when I walk through Target in September and see the holiday decor for sale! But I did it....and it feels so good. There's no going back now!

FA-LA-LA-LA-LAAAA-LA-LA-LA -LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

image/ dorondo

I'm Goin to Disneyland!!!!

2009-10-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Tinkerbell has always been my favorite! Who is your favorite childhood (or current) Disney character?

Yep, today is the day! I haven't been to the happiest place on Earth since my freshman year of college, so this trip is long overdue! We have made a pact to go on every ride, let's hope we can make it happen. We also have a reservations at Blue Bayou, which is the restaurant in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I have always wanted to go there! SO EXCITED!

Have a wonderful weekend!

I love the old Disneyland logo!

images/ fame magazine, magic never ends

INA! Yeah, we're on a first name basis......

2009-10-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

I love you Ina Garten. Not only for your amazing home that I would kill for, but I swear you are the Queen Midas of cooking, everything you touch turns into deliciousness.

Back a couple months ago when I was unemployed and had time to 1) cook and 2) go to Pike Place Market in the middle of the day, I made her Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup. Well, technically I made the Roasted Winter Vegetables first and then made the leftovers into the soup (she is a genius). I just defrosted the soup a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic! Ina does it again! It was incredibly filling and had great flavor. It's the perfect soup for this time of the year. I highly recommend......but then again, there really isn't anything of hers I wouldn't!

images/mccormick, pbs, fodors

Wishful Wednesday

2009-10-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

Doing my first wishful Wednesday from Kelsey's blog!

Ohhh how I wish I was going on vacation tomorrow, but at least I only have to wait 2 more days (Disneyland here I come!). But, as much fun as Disneyland is, it isn't exactly on the top of my list.

'I wish'....I was going on vacation tomorrow, and I would want to go........ON A SAFARI!!!

I mean, does it get any cooler than that??? It's like being in one of the DVDs from the Planet Earth series!

images/TSC

How I Love a Pumpkin Pastry.....

2009-10-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

This morning my good friend treated me with these yummy Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing found here. They were my first official pumpkin confection of the fall! Thanks Meghan for the sweet treat!

image/martha stewart

Birthday x 2

2009-10-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Mom AND Sister! I know, born on the same day....crazy huh? I told you this month was full of Birthdays! Hope you both have a sweet day! XOXO

image/martha stewart

A Foggy Wake Up Call

2009-10-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

So foggy this morning in Seattle.....I just wanted to stay curled up in bed.

images/rlrouse, childslife

Kushibar

2009-10-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of us girls went out to dinner on Friday night, hoping to get into Wasabi Bistro in Belltown. Of course, we got there at 8pm and didn't think about making a reservation beforehand, so we were denied and sent back out into the pouring rain. Due to the AWFUL weather and the totally impractical shoes I was wearing, I refused to go far. So, we hopped right next door to Kushibar Japanese Street Food and it was a delicious decision. We had a variety of interesting dishes, my favorite being their House Ramen, which I liked even better than Pho (which is hard to beat in my book) and it was perfect for the rainy weather. Perhaps the best surprise was the curry popcorn you get as an appetizer. Who would have thought? Popcorn tossed in curry powder.....simply delightful!

images/kushibar, flickr

Cheesy Goodness

2009-10-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night, we had Meghan's Birthday dinner at Bizzarro, which was absolutely delicious! I had an amazing cheesy pasta dish that had a Gorgonzola bechamel sauce. Mmmmmm I love anything with cheese, especially if it's Gorgonzola or any other in the blue category! The sauce seems similar to this recipe, minus the leeks, but this looks pretty delicious too. My dish was topped off with bread crumbs and red chili flakes...yummm....I could definitely go for a second round right now.

What do I have to look forward to for lunch today??

Spaghettios....a far cry from this mouth-watering dish, but I'm not gonna lie....I HEART Spaghettios.

image/the district domestic

A Little Something For Fall

2009-10-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

I love this scarf from Anthropologie! It's so cute and girly! I especially like it in Chartreuse. My sister bought it weeks ago and I have been totally jealous ever since. Then, last night I found a similar one for half the price. Hooray for me!!

Yeah....not so fast. Apparently, I was overly excited about it and after deciding I didn't need to try it on, I made a quick purchase. Bad decision. While I was playing with it at home, I realized it was horrifying and too much fabric. UGH! Guess I will have to spend the extra $20 for the original. Now that I have been teased, I definitely need it.

image/anthropologie

Birthday Season

2009-10-14T14:17:00.001-07:00

October is my month of Birthdays!! It's craziness! It seems as though everyone was born in this month, but me! Anyway, today is my dear friend Meghan's 26th! Happy Birthday Megnog! Tonight, my lovely friend Carol, of Everyday Delights, and I are taking Meghan for our ritual Birthday dinner to celebrate! However, the Birthday events do not end here because next weekend we head to Disneyland! Meghan wanted to go for her Birthday and really, who can resist the happiest place on earth? So excited!

image/20x200

It's About Time

2009-10-13T10:04:00.001-07:00

OK, I know Fall started weeks ago, but apparently I was in denial. I am now officially on the fall bandwagon and ready for the leaves to change, to eat anything and everything pumpkin, and to break out my cold weather gear. I never really get into fall until the weather changes and I go to my parents house and see the fall/Halloween decor. Halloween just happens to be THE favorite holiday of my mother and our house is decked out the weeks leading up. And when I say decked, it's not just pumpkins and cobwebs. We are talking machetes and severed limbs on our front door, a cauldron full of severed limbs in the kitchen, every mirror on the main floor covered in black fabric, and even the taxidermy get scary masks to wear. Halloween is not to be taken lightly in our house. And that was just a sampling of the craziness that goes on. However, my family is first to admit that we love it and Halloween just wouldn't be the same without my mom's enthusiasm.

I just love this time of year.....so glad that I have decided to officially acknowledge it.

image/Vogue

Passive Aggressive Refrigerators

2009-10-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

I was cracking up when I saw these on thechive.com today. What makes them so hilarious is that I can completely relate to these people because at my previous job this happened all the time! I would NEVER even think about eating a co worker's food! I swear, I would bring in a half gallon of milk and it would be gone by the next day. At least these people had the nerve to say something about it, although a few got some pretty great responses!

images: thechive.com

Good Golly Princess Lolly!

2009-10-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

I prefer my generation's version of the game above. The characters are too modern looking now, some things are just better left alone.

Who didn't love Candyland growing up? If you disagree with that statement, then something is seriously wrong with you because, hands down, it is one of the most fantastic games ever created. Just the idea of a land made of candy was enough to make me pass out with excitement.

For the game's 60th anniversary this past August, Lombard Street in San Francisco was transformed into a Candyland board. If I were 6, I would have been on the first flight down. Could that sound any more fun?

At my house we had the interactive Candyland that came with a cartoon VHS, which you played along with the game. I am still upset that my mother taped over it, the 2005 version of Candyland: Great Lollipop Adventure is just not the same. Although, apparently Universal and Hasbro made a deal and we might see a feature film based on the game! I can hardly contain my excitement!

images: sfappeal, sflist

WANTED: Old Boots to a Good Home

2009-10-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

I NEED a pair of cowboy boots for this fall. They are so rugged, yet can be completely beautiful at the same time. My only requirement is that I want them used. They have so much more personality when they are broken in and dirty. It's one pair of shoes that always looks like they could tell a great story.

image: flickr

Greek Week(end)

2009-10-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Traditional Greek Dancing

Every year my family saves the date for the Tacoma Greek Festival, put on by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. We have done this for at least the last 7 years, if not longer, and every year is just as fun as the next. There's traditional Greek dancing, a bakery, and other fun things, but most importantly huge amounts of delicious Greek food! Of course, the one thing that I look most forward to is a dessert that I have only been able to find at this Greek Festival called Kataifi Ekmek. After researching it a little more, I found out that it is actually a Turkish dessert that is very popular in Greece. Anyway, it's basically a layer of finely shredded pastry dough, vanilla custard, and whip cream, served cold. They run out of this dessert almost every year, but I figured that by going to the festival early, I would be assured a piece of this deliciousness. Well, I figured wrong because they were already sold out! I just about cried! Because I didn't get my fix, I just may have to attempt to make it myself one of these days.

Kataifi Ekmek

Images/Saint Nicholas Church, Faliraki

Slapstick Chick

2009-10-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

I know this book came out a couple of years ago, but I can't help it, I find it completely hysterical. I was flipping through it the other day, for the hundredth time, and it never fails to crack me up! The captions and pictures are priceless.

image/bloomsbury

1 Down, 30 To Go

2009-10-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Today starts my 31 day hot yoga challenge! For the month of October I have to take a class everyday, or double up on classes if I miss one. Yikes! I have taken various yoga classes before, but never really got into it. That is, until I started hot yoga and I am obsessed with it! My horoscope for this month said that is was a good time to start a new fitness regime, so hopefully it means some good will come out of this. Wish me luck!

image: life123

The Perfect Date

2009-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Aren't these calendars by brooklynbookbinder from Etsy adorable? (I am particularly fond of the yellow one!) I love that the months fold out accordion style, rather than the same old boring flip calendar. Funny that I like to buy "organizational" items, yet seem to have no use for them, as I am a disorganized mess! I think pretending to use and actually using are pretty much the same thing anyway.....

Cardboard Chic?

2009-09-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Call me crazy, but I am a sucker for all things having to do with animal heads. I know, I know, it's weird and a little morbid, not to mention expensive. SO, in order to please those that hunt, those that gasp at the very thought of it, and my bank account, we have the geniuses behind Cardboard Safari. Laser cut cardboard, about 15 minutes to assemble and WHAM, your very own deer, moose, buffalo, etc. Paint it any color you like or leave it plain, either way I think they are so fun and even a little bit artsy. I have the deer head above in my living room and it has a lovely home above my bookcase. Whoever said cardboard couldn't be chic?

Image: Cardboardsafari.com

If Only it was Acceptable at 25.....

2009-09-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, if I could redecorate my entire bedroom without judgment, I would have a full on Princess and the Pea bed. It is totally shabby chic meets fairytale/fantasy. Dozens of mismatched pillows and mattresses, I love it!

Perhaps if I have kids I will force them to have wildly imaginative bedrooms, so that my childhood dreams can be fulfilled.

But for now, I guess boring, white, pottery barn will have to do.......

Hello!

2009-09-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog.....if there's anyone actually reading it. This isn't about anything in particular, just the crazy things that enter my head, so if you are looking for cohesiveness, you aren't going to find it here. I don't really know what to start with, so I will just dive in. Enjoy!