While filming for “Glamour‘s 25 Biggest Wedding Dos & Don’ts” on the Style Network, I had the pleasure of meeting the inimitable cake guru Sylvia Weinstock. Touted as the “Leonardo da Vinci of Cakes,” her incredible oeuvre certainly qualifies as art, as far as I’m concerned. For over 30 years, she has created whimsical, fun and downright extraordinary cakes for nearly every occasion imaginable. To take a look at her latest projects, you need to check out her blog. Here’s one of my favorites:
Although I’ve already extolled the praises of pre-wedding spa days, if you don’t have the time to block out an entire day dedicated to self-pampering, scheduling a mani/pedi is an excellent (time-efficient) way to unwind. It can also be a great way to bond with your bridal party! Now that it’s finally getting nicer outside, it’s a perfect time to experiment with bright, cheery nail polishes — nudes, deep reds and sheer shades need not apply! When it comes to nail polish, Chanel is the holy grail; Peter Philps, the global creative director for Chanel Makeup, is considered a tastemaker in the beauty world. Every color that he concocts for Chanel’s runway shows flies off the shelves and inspires plenty of knockoffs. For spring and summer, Philips created several pretty polishes that I just need to share with you!
First and foremost is Riva, a shade that first debuted at Chanel’s Cruise Collection 2010-2011. This pastel baby blue polish is a breezy breath of fresh air!
Next is the standout color from the summer collection: Mimosa. A vibrant yellow, this particular color might be divisive among those of you who are more puritanical when it comes to your pedicures. However, this shade is a surefire way to inject a little sunshine into your life, and it’s surprisingly flattering against all skin tones!
Finally, there’s Morning Rose, a pink polish with a subtle swirl of gold glitter. True to its name, the shade is a warm rose, and I’m confident that it will be a spring/summer favorite! Just perfect for a spring bride.
Which of these colors are your favorite? Do you prefer the classic Morning Rose, or would you dare to wear Mimosa or Riva?
Here’s a familiar scenario: It’s Monday morning and you log onto your Facebook account to see the pictures your friends have posted from the weekend, and there they are…photos of your friends arm-in-arm, perfectly posed, perfectly smiling, perfectly dressed, perfectly booooring! Adding creativity and a little fun to any party is what will make it memorable. With summer just around the corner, pretty soon you’ll be invited to barbecues, graduation parties and pool parties galore; when attending these warm-weather festivities, bring along these Geeky Cool Photo Props — they are sure to be a hit. With an array of exaggerated red lips, handlebar mustaches, bowties and faux glasses to choose from, these pieces are a simple and fun way to add some personality to your photos. Sure, the perfectly posed pictures are nice in a frame over the fireplace. However, the ones you’ll look at over and over again with a smile are sure to be the ones of your great-grandmother holding a mustache above her lip!
Spring has finally sprung, and what better way to celebrate than with cocktails? So, put away your snow shovels and break out the vodka for a new twist on an old drink: the vodka gimlet! I know what you’re thinking — gimlets are something 75-year-old women in mink stoles drink, but this modern take on it will prove stylish, simple to make and delicious.
Traditionally, the gimlet is made with either vodka or gin, simple syrup and lime juice, served with a lime garnish. My version is less sweet and I would imagine, a few less calories.
First, take your martini glasses, and rim them with lime juice and granulated sugar. (I love this Kate Spade Park Place Martini Set for serving guests in style!)
Next, mix:
2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz seltzer
A pinch of granulated sugar (or to taste)
For mixed drinks, my favorite vodka to use is Svedka. It’s affordable, easy to find and it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Finally, fill cocktail shaker with ice and ingredients, shake vigorously and strain into glass.
This is also a great drink to make on the rocks by the pitcher. On hot days, fill your ice trays with lime and seltzer instead of water and when they melt, they won’t water down your drinks.
Enjoy!
This week, I attended a truly amazing and inspirational event: the Gateway Schools Gala Benefit Concert, held at the Beacon Theater in NYC. Hosted by Robert De Niro and Matt Damon (and their wives, Grace and Lucy), and with performances from The Daily Show‘s Jon Stewart and the legendary Stevie Wonder (!!!), this benefit concert was a star-studded affair, to say the least! The inimitable Mr. Wonder delivered a memorable performance filled with many of his hit songs, which had the crowd on their feet for most of the night! Best of all, though, the event raised a lot of money (more than $2 million!) for a wonderful cause — Gateway Schools helps students with learning difficulties to excel in and beyond the classroom. All in all, the evening was an overwhelming success, and an unforgettable experience!
